Strengthening social capital of urban community during COVID-19 disaster

Abstract

COVID-19 disaster has destroyed many facets of societal and economic circumstances. However, it remains a crucial debate how the effect of COVID-19 on community social capital. This study aims to examine the relationship between a community’s risk perception on COVID-19 and social capital. In addition, we also investigate the mediating role of social collectivism in the association. This research used a survey approach by performing an online questionnaire. Data were gathered from 156 respondents at the residence in an urban community in Sukoharjo, Central Java. A partial-least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to analyze the data. The results show that social capital enhances during COVID 19 because of the increasing risk perceptions on COVID-19 and social collectivism. The impact of risk perceptions on social capital is mediated by social collectivism. The present study adds our understanding of social capital at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak, especially what factors drive it. The research also has practical implications for the government and urban community to anticipate risks of COVID-19 by enhancing social capital and collectivism.