The Role of Bonding Social Capital in Enhancing Family Cohesion
A Field Study in Center of Duhok City
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31973/vbxsvy37Keywords:
Bonding Social Capital, Family Cohesion, Family Relations, Social capitalAbstract
This research aims to identify the role of bonding social capital on the level of family cohesion among families living in the center of Dohuk City. Grounded in the theories of Bourdieu, Coleman and Putnam as well as Bowen’s Family Systems Theory, the research examines how families’ close relationships, emotional support, mutual confidence and care taking are contribute to maintain strong family ties, in an environment such as a city faced with the modern urban challenges.
The research employed a quantitative research design, the data was collected through a stratified random sample of 412 families across nine different neighborhoods in Duhok city, selected from different economic levels. A structured questionnaire was utilized to assess family cohesion (communication, emotional connectedness, and shared responsibility) and bonding social capital (trust, empathy, physical assistance, and shared values).
The statistical analysis of the data was performed with SPSS, involving descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, and group comparison tests. The findings shown a statistically significant and strong positive correlation between bonding social capital and family cohesion (ρ = 0.740, p < .001).
Additionally, the research found that these variables were consistently significant across all sociodemographic categories, with no significant differences by age, gender, marital status, or their level of education. With considerable implications for urban social policy, community planning, and family development initiatives in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, these findings highlight the basic role that bonding bonds play in fostering resilience in families and unity.
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