The Role of Social Capital in Enhancing Subjective Well-Being Among Urban Women in Indonesia

The issue of subjective well-being among urban women has become increasingly relevant within the context of Indonesia's evolving social landscape. This study aims to examine how participation in social organizations, as a form of social capital, influences the life satisfaction of urban women in Indonesia. Utilizing data from the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS-5) and employing a quantitative approach through Tobit and ordered probit regression within a two-stage predictor substitution (2SPS) framework, this research analyzes the impact of women's involvement in various community organizations, such as religious gatherings, social groups, women’s associations, and cooperatives, on happiness and life satisfaction. The results show that social capital has a positive and significant effect on both dimensions of subjective well-being, even after controlling for demographic factors such as age, education, marital status, internet access, and perceptions of ethnic inclusion. Social participation has been shown to strengthen emotional support and a sense of connectedness, which ultimately contributes to improving women’s quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of policies that promote the development and strengthening of community-based organizations as a means of building social capital among urban women. Furthermore, the results provide direction for inclusive policies that are responsive to social and gender dimensions.