Social Capital In Rural Areas Research Articles

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND INNOVATIONS FOR TRANSFORMATION OF RURAL AREAS IN BULGARIA

Nowadays, the role of the human factor in achieving economic growth, improving the quality of life and increasing the well-being of people in rural areas is significantly increasing. This is due to critical factors for lagging development or "marginalization" of rural areas, which leads to depopulation of migration, as well as loss of economic and social capital as building blocks for economic growth. At the same time, there is an upward trend for the revival and transformation of rural areas in Bulgaria thanks to social capital, expressed through growing trust and partnership, as well as the charge of collective voluntary interaction and civic energy.Social capital refers to the resources and benefits that individuals or groups in a society can access through their social networks, relationships, and interactions. It encompasses trust, cooperation and social norms that facilitate cooperation and coordination between people. In this report, the author examines the role and factors for the development of social capital in rural areas of Bulgaria by making a comparative analysis of good practices related to the revival of small settlements thanks to civic activity and social innovations. As a result of the research, the thesis is confirmed that the formation of social capital in rural areas is a long process and depends on factors and events that contribute to the development and strengthening of social networks, trust and cooperation within communities. These factors can help foster a sense of community, cooperation and shared identity among rural residents in Bulgaria, which is especially important in situations of natural disasters, hazards and challenges.In addition, the report examines the role of social capital in Bulgaria as a tool for restoring trust and local identity in rural areas after a long political and economic transition, as well as the contribution of social innovations to the implementation of community-led local development. The role of local action groups as a new kind of collective form for organizing communities in rural areas and the potential for revival based on local resources and identity is traced.

The development of social capital in rural areas of the Crimean Peninsula (on the example of the village of Novoalelseevka)

The crisis in the Russian countryside has been going on for several decades, and its spatial differences only complicate the task of developing a set of anti-crisis measures. The authorities’ efforts to revive the depopulating settlements do not have the desired effect. According to the respondents in different regions of Russia, the authorities became concerned with the rural development too late - when a significant share of the able-bodied population either already migrated to cities or decided to do so. Since the Russian urbanization has not yet been completed, measures to counter the atomization of rural communities, to involve the rural population in solving their settlements’ problems, and also to support initiatives ‘from below’ should become a priority for the state. In some ideal development case, we can expect the formation of social networks of people living and working in the same rural community, which would allow it to survive and function effectively, not depending on external actors. The situation on the Crimean Peninsula is a positive example of the opportunities for developing the rural social capital. In the article, the village of Novoalekseevka (Krasnogvardeisky district) is presented as a successful ‘case’ of the local community’s participation in planning the life of the village. From 1995 to 2014, the specialists of the Crimean Development and Integration Program of the United Nations Development Program were supporting the collapsing rural community. The joint maintenance of the water supply and the joint implementation of infrastructure projects helped the population to feel the importance and efficiency of common efforts. After 2014, the state financing of rural projects has increased, but at the same time, the distance between the decision-making authorities and the rural population has also increased, which contributes to the rural population’s dependent mood. This situation exacerbates the atomization of rural communities, hinders the development and worsens the state of the social capital of rural areas.

Urban-Rural Differences in Non-Voting Political Behaviors

Existing studies on the contemporary U.S. urban-rural divide have neglected its potential role in non-voting political participation. Theoretically, there are mixed expectations: for example, higher social capital in rural areas, alongside a generally older population, suggest rural areas should have greater political participation. Conversely, lower socioeconomic indicators and more physical distance barriers suggest the opposite. Using nationally stratified survey data from the 2018 CCES ( N = 61,000) and 2020 CES ( N = 60,000), we find that specific participation behaviors do not consistently vary across the urban-rural spectrum, controlling for demographic variables. The few consistently significant differences relate to the nature of location-based access. For instance, using 2020 and 2021 ACLED data, we find that an activity where non-rural residents participate more—protesting—occurs less often in rural areas, thus stymieing participation opportunities for rural and small-town residents. Alternatively, rural and small-town residents are consistently more likely to put up a sign, which may reflect a greater incidence of living in houses with yards compared to urban residents. Social media political participation behaviors do not yield urban-rural differences, further suggesting that once geographic access-related barriers are removed, participation rates are essentially similar across the urban-rural spectrum.

Regional disparities in bonding and bridging social capital: An empirical study of rural and urban Japan

AbstractThis article investigates regional social capital development by focusing on disparities in bonding and bridging social capital among rural and urban areas of Japan. Rural–urban differences in social capital in Western contexts have been discussed by many studies. Their main finding is that bonding social capital is richer in rural areas and bridging social capital is richer in urban areas. However, the empirical evidence presented in this article suggests that in Japan both bridging and bonding social capital are richer in rural than urban areas, diverging from traditional thinking about these two types of social capital. This finding suggests that urbanization and depopulation in rural areas of Japan have led to changes in people's behavior and their demand for social networks, promoting the development of bridging social capital in rural areas.

Promoting Subjective Well-Being among Rural and Urban Residents in Indonesia: Does Social Capital Matter?

There has been growing research on the link between social capital and subjective well-being. However, to date, research investigating the impact of social capital on subjective well-being based on urban and rural typology is limited. Therefore, to fill this gap, this study aims to examine the effects of social capital on subjective well-being, based on urban and rural typology, using large-scale data from 29,341 Indonesian residents, comprising 17,155 urban residents and 12,186 rural residents. A two-stage predictor substitution (2SPS) approach is applied to address the endogeneity issue in estimating the impact of social capital. The empirical findings indicate that social capital significantly increases subjective well-being, i.e., happiness and life satisfaction. However, based on the urban–rural model, we found that the impact of social capital on subjective well-being is different. In the urban model, social capital increases happiness and life satisfaction significantly. However, the rural model indicates that social capital significantly increases happiness, not life satisfaction. These findings imply that subjective well-being impacts urban residents more than rural residents. The main reason is social capital in urban areas is well-developed (i.e., management and infrastructure for community association). Therefore, we suggest developing social capital in rural areas to expand its role in improving well-being.

The rural happiness paradox in developed countries

In this paper, a national Danish survey is used to explore the rural happiness paradox in developed countries. This paradox revolves around the observation that rural residents tend to report higher subjective well-being than urban residents in developed countries. Based on three different rural-urban classifications, the paper provides a solid confirmation of the rural happiness paradox in Denmark. The paper tests three hypotheses regarding the factors behind the rural happiness paradox and finds strong support for two of the hypotheses. Thus, higher bonding social capital in rural areas and higher access to nature amenities in rural areas were found to contribute to the rural happiness paradox in Denmark. As for the third hypothesis, the paper finds no significant evidence that rural-urban differences in spatial location satisfaction (measured by the correspondence between actual and preferred residential location on the rural-urban continuum) contribute to the rural happiness paradox in Denmark.

Social networks of online rural entrepreneurs: the case of Turkey

Rural communities are intensively based on social capital, the potential of which might seem limited in terms of the possibility to expand beyond rural areas. Today, entrepreneurs, the main actors in achieving and sustaining rural development, have a unique opportunity in the exploitation of social capital in rural areas by utilizing the digital platforms. These new online entrepreneurs have become critical to the success of rural areas as they mobilize online resources to exploit the full potential of their local products in the global economy, thus remaining local while acting global. This process is illustrated by the development of the alternative food network as well as social networks that connect rural potential to the rest of the world. This paper aims to understand the role of such social networks in e-commerce by analysing entrepreneurial characteristics and the ecosystem of their enterprises through case studies. In addition, the network characteristics of chosen enterprises are examined under three main subjects: (i) types of relations with rural residents; (ii) relations with suppliers (both producers and logistics); and iii) the extent of their networks in the e-marketplace. Online entrepreneurs whose business is related to rural agricultural products are selected as case study examples. The data are derived from the results of interviews, and visuals are used to map out their entrepreneurial networks and ecosystems. The conclusions of this paper are: (i) by using online channels, rural entrepreneurs are able to broaden their market; (ii) agricultural lands are being protected since rural entrepreneurs use the potentials of local natural resources; and (iii) these enterprises are financially self-sustaining. The positive impact on local rural development by online rural entrepreneurs is obvious. However, to expand this impact on a regional scale, the promotion of public policies and planning are necessary.

МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ОПТИМАЛЬНОЇ ЦІНОВОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧНИХ КОМПАНІЙ З МЕТОЮ МАКСИМІЗАЦІЇ ПРОДАЖІВ НА БАЗІ DATA SCIENCE ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ

Social capital has become an important aspect of most rural communities in developing nations. But, the dimensions of social capital vary across rural regions while little is known about the factors influencing it in rural areas. This study aimed to identify the prevalent social capital dimensions in rural areas and examine the factors determining rural people involved in those dimensions. A field survey which consists of structured and self-administered questionnaire was carried out with rural households. The information of the survey was obtained from 220 rural households in the study area between August and October, 2019. The descriptive analysis identified social networks (3.875), norms (societal values) (3.390), trust and solidarity (4.115), and cooperation and group action (4.139) as the prevailing social capital dimensions in the rural communities. The results further suggest that cooperation, trust and solidarity, and networks are respectively the dominating social capital dimensions in the rural areas. The results from probit model estimates show that the factors that are more likely to be associated with social capital in rural areas include education, access to credit and ownership of farm (cash crop). Since social capital is becoming a prerequisite for rural development, our findings lead to the suggestion that cooperation, build-up of networks should be facilitated for people in the rural areas. Furthermore, policy direction towards access to education, credit provision and development of primary occupation in the rural areas should also be enhanced. Economic policy makers and rural development agencies are invited to continuously work on the identified factors to promote the individual, community and national development on equitable basis.

ФАКТОРИ, ЩО ВПЛИВАЮТЬ НА СОЦІАЛЬНИЙ КАПІТАЛ У СІЛЬСЬКИХ ГРОМАДАХ НІГЕРІЇ

Social capital has become an important aspect of most rural communities in developing nations. But, the dimensions of social capital vary across rural regions while little is known about the factors influencing it in rural areas. This study aimed to identify the prevalent social capital dimensions in rural areas and examine the factors determining rural people involved in those dimensions. A field survey which consists of structured and self-administered questionnaire was carried out with rural households. The information of the survey was obtained from 220 rural households in the study area between August and October, 2019. The descriptive analysis identified social networks (3.875), norms (societal values) (3.390), trust and solidarity (4.115), and cooperation and group action (4.139) as the prevailing social capital dimensions in the rural communities. The results further suggest that cooperation, trust and solidarity, and networks are respectively the dominating social capital dimensions in the rural areas. The results from probit model estimates show that the factors that are more likely to be associated with social capital in rural areas include education, access to credit and ownership of farm (cash crop). Since social capital is becoming a prerequisite for rural development, our findings lead to the suggestion that cooperation, build-up of networks should be facilitated for people in the rural areas. Furthermore, policy direction towards access to education, credit provision and development of primary occupation in the rural areas should also be enhanced. Economic policy makers and rural development agencies are invited to continuously work on the identified factors to promote the individual, community and national development on equitable basis.

Vietnamese Return Migrants' Prosocial Behavior in Their Rural Home Communities*

AbstractRural immigrants, including return migrants, introduce new beliefs, ideas, cultures, and behavioral styles, which can serve as new blood to rural areas. The aim of the present paper is to attach an additional meaning to this metaphoric expression, demonstrating that return migrants are more prosocial than others in rural regions, thereby enhancing rural social capital in the short and long run. A questionnaire survey was conducted, and data from a total of 250 participants were collected from a rural village in Vietnam, including 107 return migrants. Their prosociality was measured using the “giving” part of the 2‐Way social support scale and the social generativity scale. Consistent with the literature, the possession of migration experiences was significantly associated with both of these two scale scores. Taken together with a supplementary qualitative survey on the motivation for return migrants' decision to migrate, the results show that migration experience makes returnees more prosocial, rather than prosocial villagers selectively out‐migrating. The present study contributes to the deepening debate about whether sending people to more developed regions is beneficial for less developed regions. It concluded that the sending side can benefit from return migrants' prosocial behavior and thus the strengthening of social capital in rural areas. The practical implications are also discussed.

Modal Sosial Masyarakat di Kawasan Penyangga Taman Nasional Gunung Ciremai untuk Mendukung Skema Pengelolaan Berbasis Kemitraan

Understanding about social capacital of community has an essential role in supporting the collaborative management of conservation area. This study aims to assess the characteristics of elements of social capital and measure the relationship of the effects of elements of social capital on social capital owned by communities around the buffer zone of Taman Nasional Gunung Ciremai (TNGC). Study site was located in the upstream area of Cisanggarung watershed. Data collection was undertaken through three stages, i.e. literature study, field observation, and inteview. The analysis was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis and descriptive test. The results demonstrated that the social capacital of communities around the buffer zone of TNGC, even though in the same watershed ecosystem unit they had varied characteristics. This fact is proven by the differences in social capital categories and the most influential elements of social capital in the formation of social capital in rural areas that are buffer zones. In order to support the collaborative management in TNGC, the sub-elements of social capital which is at a very weak and weak level, as well as the most influential social capital element in the formation of social capital in each village, should be the main consideration in increasing social capital and preparing conservation collaborative programs that are will be done in each village.

A Local-Spatial Analysis of the Impact of Livelihood Capitals on the Formation of Social Capital in Rural Settlements (Case Study: Bojnourd County)

Purpose- The study of social capital in the context of location/space is a new approach that is dominated by the science of geography, and is seen as a way of distinguishing it from other sciences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of livelihood capitals on social capital in rural areas of Bojnourd County. Design/methodology/approach- This study was a fundamental research, conducted in a descriptive-analytical method. Documentary methods and field works have been employed to collect the data. The population consisted of 22 villages with more than 20 households in Bojnourd County, selected from various population classes and distances from Bojnourd. Using Cochran formula and random sampling method, 298 households were selected from a total of 4849 households in the rural areas of the study area. Partial least squares technique and Smart PLS software were used to test the conceptual model of the research and the impact of livelihood capitals on social capital. Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) was used to evaluate the model efficiency at Bojnourd County level. Findings- According to the results, the coefficients of T among the main variables of the study were above 2.58, which means the relationship is significant and direct. Thus, local-spatial factors have a significant and positive effect on social capital. Based on total coefficients, human capital with the coefficient of 0.348 and physical capital with the coefficient of 0.136 respectively had the most and the least effect on social capital. The results of spatial analysis using GWR showed that the impact coefficient of livelihood capitals on social capital was highest in the villages of Atrabad Olia and Gharajeh, and in total about 45% of villages in the study area had an impact coefficient of 0.90 to 0.91. Research limitations/implications- As the study of livelihood capitals and analysis of their relationship with social capital is a fundamental challenge in achieving sustainable rural development that is missing in current studies, it is recommended that future studies pay more attention to social capital and the impact of livelihood capitals on its creation and rural development. Practical implications- Rural areas suffer from the lack of social capital, which is one of the most important types of development capital required to achieve sustainable rural development. Thus, enhancing the social capital and informing the villagers about the value and importance of local-spatial factors and the material and non-material capitals available in rural areas should be on the agenda of rural development researchers and planners.

The Influence of Social Capital on Farm Household’s Borrowing Behavior in Rural China

This paper evaluates whether social capital affects the ability of farm households to obtain formal and informal loans. We test for the impact of two measures of social capital. The first measure, kinship, captures the traditional aspects of bonding social capital in rural areas that might affect the probability of getting informal loans. As the economic reforms in China have changed the traditional rural way of life and weakened the role of kinship, more mobile farmers are likely to develop a different kind of social capital also based in the Chinese tradition but not focused exclusively on kin. This friendship social capital is hypothesized to affect farmers’ ability to get both formal and informal loans. We use the Chinese Household Finance Survey data from 2013 and estimate the probability of obtaining credit, while also accounting for the reverse causality. In addition, we use the Heckman selection model to establish how social capital affects not only the probability of getting loans but also the size of the loan. Empirical results suggest that social capital affects borrowing by farm households. In particular, the friendship social capital has a positive effect on farm household’s ability to get formal loans, and has a substitution effect on informal borrowing, while kinship has a positive effect on farm households’ ability to get informal loans. Friendship and kinship are positively associated with the amount of a farm household’s formal and informal loans, respectively.

SELECTED COMPONENTS OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN RURAL AREAS OF ZACHODNIOPOMORSKIE VOIVODSHIP

Given the diversity of development of modern societies, which can not be explained by differences in access to three, until now key determinants of economic growth, more and more attention began to devote so. soft factors, which have become determinants of the development potential of economies. Social capital becomes the main subject of political and scientific discourse explanation generators socio-economic development in recent years. Social capital remains poorly understood and requires analysis. Studies of social capital should be done at the local level. This article attempts to present some components of social capital in the zachodniopomorskie rural areas. Attempt to showed a relatively low level of selected components of social capital in rural areas of zachodniopomorskie voivodship. This leads to the conclusion that social capital should develop now in order to secure economic growth in the future. Social capital building should be a priority now as a long term.

The Effects of Social Capital in Economic Diversity of Rural Households ) Case Study: Zarin Dasht Dehestan- Darrehshahr County)

The Effects of Social Capital in Economic Diversity of Rural Households ) Case Study: Zarin Dasht Dehestan- Darrehshahr County)

Rola lidera lokalnego w generowaniu kapitału społecznego – studium przypadku z gminy Jeżewo

The aim of the article is to assess the role of local leaders in generating social capital in rural areas. The analysis is based on a study of Jezewo commune (Świecki county, Kujawsko-Pomorskie province). The study attempts to answer the following questions: Which personality traits and social conditions determine the possibility of becoming a local leader? Which initiatives can provide the basis for building social capital in the countryside? What is the leader’s role in generating social capital in rural areas? The results of the research indicate that the role of the local leader in creating social capital consists in activating the society by initiating and moderating various projects aimed at integrating the local community, intensifying relations and constructing local identity. According to the study, shared passions and interests can be the pivot of such grassroots projects.

Village Renewal as an Important Element of Integrated Rural Development

In the article the author presents the results of research and implementation works, concerning the possibility of widespread introduction in Polish conditions of the modern principles of the implementation of village renewal programs. Currently, these programs are implemented in a much shallower form, restricted only to investments in selected items of social and technical infrastructure. Apart from Opolskie Voivodship – and part of Dolnośląskie and Pomorskie voivodships — its full potential within village renewal of the building of social capital in rural areas is not used. In addition, a properly executed village renewal project may contribute to the protection and development of natural elements in rural settlements.

Introduction: Human and social capital in rural areas

Introduction: Human and social capital in rural areas

The role of agricultural producers in building the social capital in rural areas. Cooperation of pig farmers from Babin – case study

The role of agricultural producers in building the social capital in rural areas. Cooperation of pig farmers from Babin – case study

Social Capital in Rural Areas of Vietnam and Its Impact on Households’ Life Satisfaction

Using data of the Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey 2014, with the participation of 3,648 households in rural areas of 12 provinces in Vietnam and two models: OLS regression and ordered logit, this paper studied the determinants of social capital in the rural area of Vietnam. Moreover, the paper also analyzed the impact of social capital on life satisfaction and risk coping strategies. Results of regression models confirmed that social capital is the essential ingredient for the life satisfaction of the community and at the same time, social capital also has notable impacts on households’ post-risk recovery. In the relationship with the life satisfaction, all the variables representing social capital, except for general trust, positively affected the growth of life satisfaction of households, aside from physical factors such as income. Therefore, social capital, along with economic growth, was the biggest factor that can help households increase their life satisfaction.