Social Capital

SUMMARY

In this article, we examine the social capital of Turkish society with multi-dimensional analyses and striking data. The research focuses on the active network sizes reflecting individuals' communication dynamics, the patterns of contact with different professional groups that determine the quality of these networks, and the material, emotional, and social support mechanisms that are a crucial part of daily life. Simultaneously, the element of "trust," the greatest indicator of social decay or integration, and social media networks, the new relational space of the modern world, are examined to reveal the social capital in Türkiye. The social ties and networks of individuals are depicted according to very different breakdowns such as gender, age, education, lifestyle, occupation, place of residence, and income level:

• Which of these people are in your social circle (acquaintances, friends, family)? You can select more than one. With whom do you have regular contact? From whom do you receive financial support? From whom do you receive emotional support? From whom do you receive daily help (childcare, cat/dog care, watering plants, etc.)?
• How many people do you regularly communicate with (at least once a week) in person, by phone, or by text message?
• Do you receive social assistance?
• Which of the following NGOs are you a member or volunteer for?
• Do you think most people can be trusted in general? Or should one always be cautious around people? Which social media platform do you use most frequently? How many followers/friends do you have on this platform?