The Role of Social Capital in Social Solidarity Initiatives During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Egypt

Author

Nada Moustafa BarakaFollow

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed at studying internal social cohesion in the Egyptian society during Covid-19 pandemic. In our research the notion of social capital acted as a measure of community resilience that was present in the Egyptian social solidarity scene during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The focus is on voluntary associations that mobilize resources to help those in need, often relying on social media for outreach. The main research question is thus: “To what extent did social solidarity online networks in Egypt harvest social capital during the Covid-19 pandemic?”. Key informant interviews discovered that the services provided during Covid-19 pandemic ranged from Personal Protective Equipment to front-line medical personnel to helping those who became unemployed. Study findings showed that social capital has played a major role in establishing social resources, such as trust, norms and values that mobilized networks into action. The strengthening of social capital has also been characterized by strong online presence within the domain of social media platforms that empowered these unofficial networks to act as an informal communication and information channel in times of crisis and uncertainty of the pandemic. Further research would suggest the need for a more in-depth assessment of social capital in the Egyptian context, as well as devising further tools on how to formalize these networks in order to optimize social capital in times of crisis.

School

School of Global Affairs and Public Policy

Department

Public Policy & Administration Department

Degree Name

MA in Public Policy

Graduation Date

Fall 9-1-2021

Submission Date

6-7-2021

First Advisor

Dr. Laila El-Baradei

Committee Member 1

Dr. Ghada Barsoum

Committee Member 2

Dr. Noura Wahby

Extent

93 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

Recommended Citation

APA Citation

Baraka, N. M. (2021).The Role of Social Capital in Social Solidarity Initiatives During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Egypt [Master's Thesis, the American University in Cairo]. AUC Knowledge Fountain.
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/1838

MLA Citation

Baraka, Nada Moustafa. The Role of Social Capital in Social Solidarity Initiatives During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Egypt. 2021. American University in Cairo, Master's Thesis. AUC Knowledge Fountain.
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/1838