Research in disaster and social capital: Mapping out the themes and findings

Abstract

Research in the field of disaster has been growingly and widely conducted primarily in response to the local and global disaster phenomena which has also witnessed an increasing trend over the time. Meanwhile, social capital has been recognized as a key element in disasters’ recovery and resilience. This study employs qualitative standpoint to identify the findings and themes of research linking the issues of disaster and social capital. In selecting and critically appraising all the relevant studies in the topic of disaster and social capital, systematic review method was adopted. Using the Scopus database to identify relevant articles, this study reviewed 39 articles published in (accounting and business) journals indexed in Scopus from 1990 to 2020. The finding identifies several research themes within the interaction of disaster and social capital. Five sub-clusters were identified consisting of research focused on bridging social capital, bonding social capital, the factors, the role, social participation, and obstacles. Findings from each sub-cluster were mapped out and it generally indicates somehow synchronous patterns of findings from each cluster indicating the various essential roles of social capital were highlighted for the disaster resilience and recovery process.