Relationship between poverty and social capital: a case study from Pakchom Municipality, Loei Province, Thailand

Abstract

In recent times, the Thai government has expanded its measures of poverty beyond merely economic indicators, incorporating multiple dimensions of concern within the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Despite this, social capital often remains overlooked, even though it serves as a crucial resource for impoverished individuals in their struggle to survive. This research delves into the social capital among the economically disadvantaged population listed in the TP-Map of Pakchom Municipality, Loei Province, Thailand. Employing questionnaires, focus groups, and in-depth interviews for data collection, the study reveals that the poor in Pakchom Municipality possess a low level of social capital. This deficiency stems from their inability to participate in community activities and civil society groups, hindered by constraints on time and income that prevent them from forging connections within the social network of Pakchom Municipality. The limited social capital among the poor serves as a barrier to accessing assistance and information from others in Pakchom, resulting in a heightened reliance on municipal services and welfare compared to their non-impoverished counterparts. These findings suggest that community development projects based on social capital or the community's social network may not efficiently channel resources to the impoverished population.