The Importance of Social Capital in Building Community Resilience
by Daniel Aldrich, Rethinking Resilience, Adaptation and Transformation in a Time of Change
This chapter from Rethinking Resilience, Adaptation and Transformation in a Time of Change analyzes the role that social capital can play in increasing a community’s resilience. Drawing on case studies of disasters in Bangkok, Thailand; Tohoku region, Japan; and Christchurch, New Zealand; Aldrich outlines three distinct types of social capital and how each can contribute positively in the event of an emergency. Finally, the piece emphasizes that social capital must be built before a crisis hits and provides guidance for decision-makers to do so in their own communities.