The role of self-help groups in social capital development: a systematic review

Abstract

The relationship between self-help groups and social capital formation has been extensively discussed by the research community in recent decades from several perspectives. To understand the role of self-help groups in social capital development, this review examines the literature published from 2011 to 2024. The Scopus database was utilised to gather literature on self-help groups and social capital. By applying various exclusion and inclusion criteria, 24 papers were identified as suitable, and the analysis was conducted using the SPAR-4-SLR framework proposed by Paul et al. A conceptual model was developed based on the input-moderator-mediator-output framework, which includes antecedents, mediators, moderators, and outcomes (Devi et al.). This proposed model elucidates the relationship between existing theoretical models and the current research premises. The methodology adopted in this study aids researchers in exploring the complexities of social capital development and suggests strategies to enhance the effectiveness of self-help groups. The implications of this review are manifold; researchers will gain a clearer picture of the concept and its various dimensions, practitioners can use the developed framework to evaluate and improve their methods in supporting SHG activities, and policies can be framed aimed at maximising the impact of SHGs and similar initiatives. Given the growing importance of SHGs observed from the findings of this study, it is highly recommended that policymakers, implementing agencies, and NGOs prioritize the role of SHGs in social capital development.