Neighbors Help in a Pandemic

Abstract

The degradation of non-market relationships has rendered individuals unnecessarily vulnerable in disasters, including the global pandemic. While local networks of community-based aid that emerge in response to disasters improve the efficacy of response, they tend to be short-lived. This is unfortunate, since the existence and strength of such local networks prior to the onset of disasters not only boosts the efficacy of response but also contributes to the well-being of individuals and communities in non-disaster times. Therefore, individuals ought to establish and strengthen fair-weather local networks of non-market relationships—that is, cultivate neighbor relationships.

Salir Adelante: Social capital and resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic in Argentina

“…First, in a more cohesive society there is a stronger sense of "shared fate" that increases trust, makes individuals more agreeable to make sacrifices or accept coercive public health measures ( Reicher and Bauld, 2021 ; Jackson and Bradford, 2021 ). Second, when there is strong social cohesion, communities are more likely to self-organize to provide mutual aid and support for those most affected by crisis, supplementing or replacing the efforts of the government—at least for a time ( Boyd and Davis, 2021 ; Drury et al, 2021 ). And third, in societies with strong social cohesion, resources (whether material or emotional) for coping are more widely available and flow more easily ( Reicher and Stott, 2020 ).…”

“…Those who agreed (or strongly agreed) with that statement were classed into the "high" PNSC category; those who were neutral on this statement were classed into a "moderate" PNSC group; and those who disagreed (or strongly disagreed) were placed in the "low" PNSC group. This approach was considered appropriate because "neighborly" ties and living in geographical proximity are bases for social capital ( Boyd and Davis, 2021 ). Considering the conceptualizations of social capital in Latin America, in Argentina generally, and in Tucumán specifically, the sense of a "barrio" identity is high with a sense of intergenerational belonging, and people are much less geographically mobile during their lifetimes, as compared to, say, the United States ( Cosacov, 2017 ; Dureau, 2004 ).…”

“…In spite of its global character, the pandemic has unfolded in different ways among countries, leading to wide recognition that national culture influences the success of pandemic control efforts, via mechanisms like deeply embedded social norms, prioritizing collective welfare over individual interests, that can be mobilized effectively in the pandemic crisis ( Gelfand et al, 2021 ). A growing body of research, both empirical and theoretical, suggests that societies with high levels of social cohesion have fared better during the pandemic ( Boyd and Davis, 2021 ; Drury et al, 2021 ; Jackson and Bradford, 2021 ; Reicher and Bauld, 2021 ; Reicher and Stott, 2020 ; Ritchie and Gill, 2021 ).…”