Bonding, Bridging, and Linking: Social Capital and Its Potential Health Impact among Refugees in Their Resettlement Countries

Abstract

Literature has highly emphasized the importance of social capital on health and mental health. This study aimed to identify the patterns of the structures and relations of social capital among refugee populations through a systematic review so as to promote their health by fostering the growth of their social capital in their resettlement countries. A total of 1,476 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, reports, theses, dissertations, and commentaries, related to refugees' social capital building were thoroughly reviewed. Thirty-seven articles were included in the final theme analysis. Information was organized based on the three categories: bonding capital, bridge capital, and linking capital. Findings indicated that refugees in their resettlement countries commonly relied on religious practice, their ethnic organizations, school/workplaces, social and sports events, and social media to develop all three categories of social capital. Additionally, they built both their bonding and bridging capital through family, neighbors, and friends. They were further linked to a broader spectrum through both government and non-government organizations, and transnational network. Literature also revealed barriers that refugees encountered in capital building. The needs of both a policy change and research in identifying more effective and innovative strategies of helping refugees in social integration should be addressed.