The Role of Social Capital in Disaster Recovery: Evidence from Coastal and Island Regions

This study explores the role of social capital in disaster recovery, focusing on two disaster-affected communities in coastal Bangladesh and an island region of the Philippines. Drawing on a qualitative case study approach, the research examines how bonding, bridging, and linking forms of social capital influence immediate responses, long-term recovery, and access to institutional support. Findings reveal that bonding social capital facilitates rapid mutual aid, while bridging capital enhances collaboration across social groups, and linking capital plays a critical role in securing external assistance. However, the effectiveness of these forms of capital is context-dependent and can be hindered by social exclusion, weak institutional trust, or political fragmentation. The study highlights that social capital is both a critical asset and an evolving process shaped by community dynamics and disaster experiences. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating social capital development into disaster recovery strategies, particularly in geographically vulnerable regions where formal resources may be limited. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the social dimensions of resilience and offer practical insights for policy and community-based recovery planning.