Paper details
| Paper authors | Ronak Patel |
| In panel on | The Role(s) of Social Capital in Humanitarian Resilience in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Contexts |
| Paper presenter(s) will be presenting |
In-Person / |
Abstract
This paper proposes approaches to examine the dynamics of social capital in Somalia and Somaliland, with a focus on internally displaced persons (IDPs) in urban areas. Bonding social capital through clans remains the primary mechanism for resilience, particularly via family and sub-clan support networks that mobilize resources for shocks and stresses. Yet, this reliance on clan structures presents challenges, including exclusion of marginalized subgroups—such as women, minority clans, and displaced populations—and potential reinforcement of divisions that undermine social cohesion and state-building. Bridging and linking social capital remain underdeveloped, with linking capital particularly weak due to dependence on NGOs rather than local institutions. Long-term IDP communities in cities, especially those who have navigated marginalization and built alternative support networks, offer valuable insights for program design. This research investigates how diverse IDP subgroups in Banadir (Somalia) and Borama (Somaliland) access and operationalize social capital for resilience.
Qualitative methods can assess responses beyond content, considering delivery and context to capture deeper meaning focusing on how trust, norms, and shared values are both expressed and interpreted. Network structures—both organic and institutional—can be interrogated beyond structure in terms of their inclusivity, engagement, resource flow, and volunteer mobilization. Social capital categories such as emotional, economic, spiritual, and societal support, along with trust and information sharing, can be identified and analyzed to determine the most sensitive indicators distinguishing between IDPs and host populations as well as subgroups. A particular focus will be given to various self-help, community development and community resilience groups as they are a primary programming target yet consideration will be given to how pre-existing micro-groups might be integrated into new programming. Special focus is also placed on identifying marginalized sub-groups whose access to social capital may differ. Early fieldwork in Somaliland highlighted the fluid and contested definition of “IDP” in Somaliland, distinguishing between forced displacement and voluntary migration driven by economic or climate-related pressures. The research will also examine how social support is perceived—whether as a function of group membership or personal relationships—and the cultural distinctions between voluntary aid and kinship-based obligation within Somali society. A nuanced and detailed exploration using these methods is needed to guide programs and policy in such complex environments to avoid unintended consequences and use limited resources with precision.
