Does Structural Social Capital Enhance Health Status? An Empirical Analysis of 60 Countries

Tahseen Ajaz and Shamsa Kanwal

Abstract

Structural social capital (SSC) is the extent to which people take part in social networks. Higher degree of social networks among people improve health of individuals, as social networks lower health care utilization, support self[1]management behaviour and become strong predictors of health. Social participation offers both material as well as moral support to individuals and makes it possible to fight against worries that reduces stress and emergence of chronic diseases. This study analyses the health consequences of social capital using the data of 60 countries over the period 1980-2014. We have used social participation as a proxy of SSC. The empirical studies largely focus on three measures of health outcomes that is physical health, mental health and social well[1]being of individuals separately while we are using these three measures of health in this analysis. Higher degree of social participation gives longevity, lowers mortality rate, improves mental health and enhances well-being. We conclude that social participation reduces distress and mental illness mainly in individuals and acts like a buffer. We also find that social participation in high income countries has beneficial impact on health status as extensive participation in social involvements is linked with a low incidence of health problems. This further reinforces the need for programs to facilitate individuals to improve their health that not only target the policies fostering economic activities but also improve policies which have beneficial impact in increasing social capital.