Investigating Social Factors Related to Citizens' Social Solidarity in Baharestan City with an Emphasis on Social Capital

Abstract

Objective: Social solidarity, as one of the basic pillars of society, plays a vital role in strengthening the bonds and interactions between citizens. Social factors such as trust, participation, and collective identity are considered as key elements in the formation and strengthening of this solidarity. , It seems necessary to examine and analyze social capitals that can lead to strengthening the social solidarity of citizens. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine social factors related to citizens' social solidarity with an emphasis on social capital.

Method: The present study is applied in terms of purpose and is classified as a descriptive survey research. In terms of philosophy, this research is a deductive one that has been implemented based on the positivist paradigm. In terms of time index, it is also considered cross-sectional. To measure the research variables, a standard and researcher-made questionnaire was used, the validity and reliability of which were confirmed. The statistical population of the study consisted of all citizens aged 20 and above in Baharestan city. Based on the sampling method considered for the present study, it was a two-stage random sampling, which was obtained using the Cochran formula, and the sample size of 600 people was obtained. The hypotheses of this study were tested using the structural equation model and PLS software.

Results: The results finally indicate the effect of social capital on increasing communication between different social groups and strengthening the overall cohesion of the society, the formation of social relations and creating cohesion and social institutions and schools. Also, social institutions and schools play a mediating role in the effect of social capital on increasing communication between different social groups and strengthening the overall cohesion of the society.

Conclusion: Strengthening social capital by creating opportunities for civic participation and social interactions can lead to increased social cohesion. Finally, social policies that focus on strengthening connections and trust between individuals in society can help improve social cohesion.