The Change in Relationship of Neighbor’s Social Capital and Influencing Factors: Focusing on the Impact of Religious Activities

ABSTRACT

[Objective] The purpose of this study is to identify the changes in the levels of neighbor’s social capital(neighbor's size, neighbor's trust, and neighbor's support) between 2012 and 2023, as well as the relationships among three capital types and the factors influencing them. [Contents] This study utilized data from the Korean General Social Survey (KGSS) conducted in 2012 and 2023. The first finding is that the levels of neighbor's size, neighbor's trust, and neighbor's support in 2023 were all significantly lower compared to 2012. The impact of neighbor’s size on neighbor’s trust and support showed little difference between the two years, but that the effect of neighbor’s trust on support significantly decreased. The second finding is that age group, and whether one has children influenced neighbor’s social capital in 2012 and 2023. And the religion belief status emerged as a new factor influencing neighbor’s size in 2023, and the impact of religious activities on neighbor’s trust disappeared in 2023. [Conclusions] In conclusion, it was suggested to activate community for the youth in urban areas, to establish child education community for the middle-aged male parents, and to strengthen club activities for elderly residents in rural areas. Additionally, it was proposed to implement education that highlights the values of concern for and love of one's neighbors for everyone, and to link religious activities with community-based group volunteer work.