Evaluating The Role Of Social Capital In The Development Of Rural Areas In Kermanshah Province

Subject Areas : Development

Mansoor Amini Asadabadi ¹ , Alireza Esmaeili ^{2 *} , Azar Eskandari Charati ³ , Rahmatollah Amirahmadi ⁴

1 - Department of Sociology, Azadshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Iran.
2 - Department of Sociology, Azadshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Iran.
3 - Department of Sociology, Azadshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Iran.
4 - Department of Sociology, Azadshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Iran.

Received: 2025-03-24 Accepted : 2025-07-14 Published : 2025-07-31

Keywords: Social Capital, Rural Areas Development, Kermanshah ProvinceSocial, Social Development.,

Abstract :

The present study evaluates the role of social capital in the development of rural areas in Kermanshah Province. In terms of purpose, the research is applied; in terms of data collection time, it is cross-sectional; and in terms of method or nature, it is descriptive-survey. The data collection tool is a researcher-made questionnaire, consisting of seven main components and 44 items derived from the literature review. Its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha (0.84), and its content validity was verified by experts. The statistical population includes the entire rural population of Kermanshah Province (47,000 individuals). Cochran's formula was used to determine the sample size. Using multi-stage cluster sampling, 85 villages were selected, and within them, based on the per capita population, respondents were chosen to complete the researcher-made questionnaire on social capital in the development of rural areas of Kermanshah. For data analysis, two statistical software programs were used: SPSS version 26 and structural equation modeling software (PLS-Smart). The results showed that social trust has a positive and significant effect on social capital and agricultural knowledge management. Social trust enhances both knowledge management and social capital. Furthermore, social cohesion has a positive and significant impact on agricultural knowledge management and social capital, leading to their growth. Social participation also has a positive and significant effect on social capital and social development, contributing to their enhancement. Social development, in turn, positively and significantly influences economic development. The development of rural areas promotes both social development and environmental productivity development, and environmental productivity development also positively impacts the economic development of the community.

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