The Role of Social Capital in Enhancing Neighbourhood Security

Abstract

This paper focuses on the connection between social capital and neighbourhood security as it relates to the Jordan society. It aims to investigate the role of social networks, trust, participating in social activities, and common norms in improving how their residents perceive safety and stability in the neighbourhoods they live in. The research design followed a descriptive-analytical approach that employed a structured questionnaire to a sample population of Emirati residents in order to estimate the levels of social capital and perceived neighbourhood security. The results show that there is a high correlation between social capital and neighbourhood security, which proves that the greater the social interactions, mutual trust, and community sense, the higher the safety and social cohesion levels. The informal social relations, engagement in community activities, and collaboration among the neighbours were identified to contribute a relatively high role in enhancing neighbourhood security. It also shows that there are differences in the perception of security depending on the chosen social and demographic factors. The study brings out the significance of enhancing the social capital as one of the mechanisms that can facilitate the neighbourhood safety and social stability in modern Emirati society. It highlights the necessity of the policy and community-driven programs that promote social engagement, developing trust, and shared responsibility. This study adds to the existing sociological knowledge about the social capital and can be useful to policymakers and city planners working on the improvement of the life of communities and sustainable social development in the Jordan by illuminating the social aspects of neighbourhood security.