Social capital in a diverse Malaysia: enhancing bonding, bridging, and linking for greater social cohesion

This article explores the role of social capital in fostering social cohesion within Malaysia's multicultural society, focusing on three key dimensions: bonding, bridging, and linking social capital. The study aims to understand how these forms contribute to community resilience, inclusive deve...

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Main Author: Zaini Othman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 2025
Online Access:http://journalarticle.ukm.my/25341/
http://journalarticle.ukm.my/25341/1/251_261%20Social%20Capital%20in%20a%20Diverse%20Malaysia%20Enhancing%20Bonding.pdf
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author Zaini Othman,
author_facet Zaini Othman,
author_sort Zaini Othman,
building UKM Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description This article explores the role of social capital in fostering social cohesion within Malaysia's multicultural society, focusing on three key dimensions: bonding, bridging, and linking social capital. The study aims to understand how these forms contribute to community resilience, inclusive development, and national unity. Using a qualitative approach, the research incorporates a literature review, case studies, and empirical evidence. Bonding social capital is examined through its role in strengthening intra-group ties, preserving cultural identity, and providing social support. Bridging social capital is assessed in terms of its potential to encourage inter-ethnic cooperation, while linking social capital is analysed for its capacity to connect marginalized groups to institutional resources, thus promoting social mobility. The findings highlight the importance of nurturing all three types of social capital to address socio-economic disparities and historical divisions. The article also identifies barriers to effective social capital development, including entrenched ethnic divisions and economic inequality. In conclusion, the study advocates for targeted policy interventions to enhance social capital, ultimately fostering greater social cohesion and equity in Malaysia.
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spelling oai:generic.eprints.org:253412025-06-10T08:45:35Z http://journalarticle.ukm.my/25341/ Social capital in a diverse Malaysia: enhancing bonding, bridging, and linking for greater social cohesion Zaini Othman, This article explores the role of social capital in fostering social cohesion within Malaysia's multicultural society, focusing on three key dimensions: bonding, bridging, and linking social capital. The study aims to understand how these forms contribute to community resilience, inclusive development, and national unity. Using a qualitative approach, the research incorporates a literature review, case studies, and empirical evidence. Bonding social capital is examined through its role in strengthening intra-group ties, preserving cultural identity, and providing social support. Bridging social capital is assessed in terms of its potential to encourage inter-ethnic cooperation, while linking social capital is analysed for its capacity to connect marginalized groups to institutional resources, thus promoting social mobility. The findings highlight the importance of nurturing all three types of social capital to address socio-economic disparities and historical divisions. The article also identifies barriers to effective social capital development, including entrenched ethnic divisions and economic inequality. In conclusion, the study advocates for targeted policy interventions to enhance social capital, ultimately fostering greater social cohesion and equity in Malaysia. Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 2025-01 Article PeerReviewed application/pdf en http://journalarticle.ukm.my/25341/1/251_261%20Social%20Capital%20in%20a%20Diverse%20Malaysia%20Enhancing%20Bonding.pdf Zaini Othman, (2025) Social capital in a diverse Malaysia: enhancing bonding, bridging, and linking for greater social cohesion. e-Bangi Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 22 (1). pp. 251-261. ISSN 1823-884x http://ejournal.ukm.my/ebangi/index
spellingShingle Zaini Othman,
Social capital in a diverse Malaysia: enhancing bonding, bridging, and linking for greater social cohesion
title Social capital in a diverse Malaysia: enhancing bonding, bridging, and linking for greater social cohesion
title_full Social capital in a diverse Malaysia: enhancing bonding, bridging, and linking for greater social cohesion
title_fullStr Social capital in a diverse Malaysia: enhancing bonding, bridging, and linking for greater social cohesion
title_full_unstemmed Social capital in a diverse Malaysia: enhancing bonding, bridging, and linking for greater social cohesion
title_short Social capital in a diverse Malaysia: enhancing bonding, bridging, and linking for greater social cohesion
title_sort social capital in a diverse malaysia: enhancing bonding, bridging, and linking for greater social cohesion
url http://journalarticle.ukm.my/25341/
http://journalarticle.ukm.my/25341/
http://journalarticle.ukm.my/25341/1/251_261%20Social%20Capital%20in%20a%20Diverse%20Malaysia%20Enhancing%20Bonding.pdf