The impact of social capital on social cohesion in the restoration of territorial communities

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23925/2179-3565.2025v16i4p174-186

Keywords:

Public governance, Sustainable development, Social cohesion, Community recovery, Decentralization

Abstract

Social capital is a key factor in ensuring the resilience and effectiveness of territorial communities, especially during an armed conflict. The aim of the article is to assess the impact of social capital on the formation of social cohesion and the restoration of territorial communities in Ukraine in wartime. The research methodology is based on a multidimensional analysis of financial, social and economic factors that affect community development. The research employs spatial damage analysis to integrate economic and geospatial data, ANOVA to assess differences in social cohesion across regions, multidimensional scaling (MDS) to visualize changes in social capital indicators, and regression analysis to quantify the impact of civic engagement and cohesion on social capital. The research outlines key components of social capital, including community cohesion, civic engagement, community pride, and trust in government. The results of the study demonstrate that social cohesion, enhanced by decentralization and interregional cooperation, has become the foundation for the recovery of territorial communities even in difficult economic conditions. The practical significance of the study is the possibility of applying the obtained results to develop programmes to improve the efficiency of local governance and implement strategies aimed at strengthening social capital for long-term community recovery. Further research may focus on integrating European approaches to decentralization and involving citizens in governance processes.

Author Biographies

Oleksandr Kotukov, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University

PhD in Sociology, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Department of Public Policy, Institute of Public Administration, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University.

Iryna Gryshchenko, National Aviation University

Doctor of Public Administration Sciences, Professor of Department of Public Management and Administration, National Aviation University.

Tetiana Kotukova, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University

PhD in Public Administration, Associate Professor, Department of Public Policy, Institute of Public Administration, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University.

Oksana Marukhlenko, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University

Doctor of Public Administration, Associate Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University.

Oleksii Mostovenko, Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture

Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of economic theory of accounting and taxation, Construction faculty, Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture.

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Published

2026-01-29

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 4 (2025): Journal on Innovation and Sustainability

Section

Papers

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