The definition of the social capital index in the neighborhoods of the city of Bishkek

This study was conducted with the aim to examine social capital among residents of the city of Bishkek (how neighbors collectively address issues in the area, how well they communicate and trust each other, etc.). The methodology and analysis of the study were developed and conducted by the Social Innovations Laboratory of Kyrgyzstan (SILK) with the support of the Soros Foundation Kyrgyzstan and AUCA, while we were responsible for data collection. The survey results were used to calculate a composite social capital index across different districts of the city.

Following the first stage of the project, a methodology for calculating the social capital index in urban communities across Kyrgyzstan was developed. This led to the creation of a standardized tool called the “Urban Social Capital Assessment Tool” (U-SCAT). As a result, U-SCAT provides a unified index of social capital, allowing for comparisons across different projects. The U-SCAT methodology is firmly grounded in theory and is based on a survey consisting of 17 questions, as well as 7 demographic questions. The tool is available for use by researchers and developers and has undergone testing through 30 pilot surveys conducted in the districts of Bishkek in 2022.

You can familiarize yourself with the research results at the following link.