Localization of Indicators of Social Capital in Rural Areas of Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Guilan University, Rasht, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Physical Geography, School of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Given the potential role of social capital in reducing poverty and enhancing sustainable development, there have been many attempts to design assessment tools for it. Social capital is a complex concept with multiple measures. This feature requires a set of indicators to compare its different aspects. In this context, the question is what the localization process indicators of social capital are in rural areas of Iran. The scientific solution to the problem needs an appropriate set of indicators to measure social capital in rural areas of Iran. The present paper used cross-surveys and feedback from experts, and academics. We also used the Delphi method to provide appropriate indicators and criteria which have been localized. For data analysis, statistical methods such as mean and variance were calculated using Excel and SPSS. Based on the findings in the total number of 9 components, 18 indexes and 53 indicators were selected that are compatible with rural areas of Iran. Moreover, by localization of social capital indicators in sustainable rural development, it is possible to select the indicators that are consistent and comply with Iranian villages, operational aspects, and applicable to these components. Also indexes and indicators in sustainable rural development programs will be considered.

Keywords


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