Social Capital for Crisis Responses : Resilience and Limitations in Rural Myanmar

Social capital, often seen as a solution for improving public and private sectors, is examined in this study within the adverse context of rural Myanmar, where public institutions have failed and the private sector has shrunk after 2021 coup d'état. Faced with a series of compounding crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, its economic impacts, and ongoing political instability, rural communities in Myanmar have been forced to rely heavily on social capital for survival and recovery. This research examines how different forms of social capital-especially bonding and bridging-facilitate community resilience in this challenging environment. By analyzing the interplay between social capital and the evolving needs and vulnerabilities of community members, this study aims to illuminate the critical role of social networks in mitigating the impacts of crises, while also acknowledging the limitations of its effectiveness due to various factors, including the severity of the crisis, the breakdown of law and order, and the limitations of existing social networks. This research will suggest insights for understanding community-based responses to crises and factors for community resilience in contexts characterized by limited state presence and significant societal disruption.