A Study on the Influencing Factors and Multiple Driving Paths of Social Integration of Reservoir Resettlers: An Empirical Analysis Based on SEM and fsQCA

This study systematically analyzes the factors influencing the social integration of reservoir resettlers, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and policy recommendations for enhancing their social integration. Grounded in social capital theory and social cognitive theory, the influencing factors are categorized into five dimensions: social norms, social trust, social networks, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) are employed to analyze field survey data and uncover the mechanisms through which these factors influence social integration. The results indicate that social norms, social trust, and social networks positively affect resettlers’ self-efficacy and outcome expectations, which, in turn, have a positive impact on their social integration. The fsQCA results further identify five configurations, which are consolidated into three driving types: the internal-external driving path, the proactive integration path, and the capital-enabled path. By integrating the perspectives of social capital and social cognition and employing both SEM and fsQCA methodologies, this study provides valuable insights for policy-making related to the social integration of reservoir resettlers.