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Mar 07, 2022Fighting COVID-19: Social Capital and Community Mobilisation in Hong Kong
- Published Year : 2020
- Author : Dr. Lau Pui Yan Flora
ABSTRACT
Purpose – Focussing on the early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong, when the infection rate was relatively low, this paper aims to explore the role of social capital in fighting the novel coronavirus.
Design/methodology/approach – This is a discussion paper that draws evidence from current scholarly
literature and other commentaries, government policies and the personal observation of the author. The main
conceptual tool used in the study is Szreter and Woolcock (2004) three-dimensional framework of social capital.
Findings – This paper suggests that whilst the experience of fighting SARS as early as 2003 equipped Hong
Kong people with adequate knowledge of virus prevention, efforts to control COVID-19 also benefited from
social capital developed during the prolonged social protest since 2019. People belonging to the pro-democracy
camp took the initiative to deliver facemasks and advocate hygiene measures in Hong Kong, demonstrating
strong community mobilisation. This led to the emergence of bonding and bridging social capital (but not linking social capital) in local society, based substantially on similarity in political orientation.
Originality/value – The use of Szreter and Woolcock (2004) three-dimensional framework for examining
social capital provides a new perspective on the contribution of social network analysis to coronavirus
protective measures.
Keywords Hong Kong, COVID-19, Social capital, Community capacity, Facemask, Preventive measures
Paper type Viewpoint
