Social Networks as Social Capital for Volunteering With Syrian Refugees in Slemani City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Abstract

This article argues that both direct and indirect social networks between volunteers had become social capital for them to help the Syrian refugees in Slemani City, Kurdistan region, Iraq. This argument is based on a recent study that had applied a combination of social network, structural hole and social capital theories, and social network analysis methodology, namely ego network analysis. The research objectives were to uncover the nature of social networks that had generated social capital through analyzing the structure of social networks between the volunteers (i.e., who is linked to who) and the type of their social networks. Data were collected through semi structured interviews and network-based survey from a purposive sampling of 20 volunteers in a non-governmental organization (NGO) selected for the study. Findings revealed the structure of social networks as established by a type of social network known as friendship ties between the volunteers. The volunteers’ social networks had also generated social capital for them because the networks had added value. Hence, the networks provided the volunteers benefits, namely task, informational, and social support benefits. Specifically, the volunteers obtained task benefits by assisting one another in building and renovating, maintaining good hygiene and tool services in the refugees’ shelters and distributing non-food items. Informational benefits were in terms of cooperating and advice giving and getting information to assess the refugees’ family situations and conduct seminars and campaigns for the refugees. The volunteers also received social support benefits through social gatherings. These findings imply the need for the Kurdistan government and NGOs to emphasize social networks and social capital to motivate volunteers.