Preipheral Urban Spaces Development

Preipheral Urban Spaces Development

Analyzing Social Capital and Identifying Key Actors in the Collaborative Management of Rurals Peripheral of Shalamzar

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Professor of Department of Arid and Mountainous Areas Rehabilitation, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor of Department of Infrastructure affairs, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Research Assistant Professor of Social Business Institute, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
4 Ph.D. Student of Department of Public Administration, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran.
5 Ph.D. Student of Department of Natural Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Rural sustainable development, as a fundamental pillar of national progress, particularly in developing countries, plays a critical role in improving economic, social, and environmental conditions. Given the significance of rural areas in providing natural resources, generating employment, and preserving indigenous cultures, this concept has increasingly garnered attention in academic and policy circles. Among the key factors influencing the success of collaborative initiatives, social capital stands out by fostering social networks, mutual trust, and shared norms, thereby creating a conducive environment for collective action and meaningful stakeholder engagement in the sustainable development process. Collaborative management, which is grounded in empowering local communities and promoting joint decision-making, is widely recognized as an effective strategy for achieving sustainable development, especially in rural peri-urban settlements. These areas, due to their geographical characteristics and exposure to urban dynamics, face unique challenges and opportunities. Therefore, the governance of such regions requires comprehensive and participatory approaches that simultaneously preserve rural identity and capitalize on the advantages arising from proximity to urban centers. This study employs Social Network Analysis to examine the structure of social capital and the relationships among local stakeholders in Kiar County. The primary focus of the research is to identify patterns of cokkaboration and trust among individuals in order to develop effective strategies for co-management and sustainable rural development. The findings offer valuable insights for planners and local administrators, enabling them to better understand the social systems of rural communities, harness collaborative capacities, and formulate efficient strategies to promote sustainable development in rural regions.
 
Methodology
In this study, social network analysis (SNA) was used to assess social capital and identify key stakeholders in three villages: Gel Sefid, Deh Kohneh, and Surak, Rurals Peripheral of Shalamzar in Kiar County. Shalamzar is the center of Kiar County. The research sample consisted of 65 members of rural development committees, selected through full network method. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire based on the intensity of trust and collaboration ties, measured on a five-point Likert scale. To analyze the data, several SNA metrics were utilized, including Density, Centralization, Reciprocity, Transitivity, and Average of Geodesic Distance, to evaluate the patterns of social interaction among participants. In addition, betweenness centrality was applied to identify intermediary stakeholders within the network. All analyses were conducted using UCINET software, allowing for a precise assessment of collective collaboration capacities and the communication structures within the target communities.
Results and discussion
In this study, the structure of social networks in three villages of Shalamzar County such as: Deh Kohneh, Gel Sefid, and Sorak, was examined. The finding revealed that in Deh Kohneh, the networks of trust and collaboration exhibited high density and strong reciprocity, indicating a desirable level of social cohesion among community members. In contrast, Gel Sefid displayed moderate network density, along with lower levels of reciprocity and transitivity, suggesting more limited interactions and greater vulnerability to crises. In Sorak, the trust network was also highly dense and reciprocal; however, a greater degree of centralization was observed within the collaboration network. Analysis of betweenness centrality revealed that in Deh Kohneh and Gel Sefid, certain actors played key intermediary roles, serving as conduits for the flow of information. Conversely, in Sorak, intermediary power was more evenly distributed, resulting in a more horizontally structured network. These findings highlight the variations in local governance patterns and the differing capacities for social collaboration across the three villages.
Conclusion
This study examined the status of social capital in the collaborative management of rural settlements on the outskirts of Shalamzar city in Kiar county. The findings revealed that high levels of mutual trust, social cohesion, and active community engagement provide a favorable foundation for the effective implementation of development projects and collective decision-making processes. Social network analysis further revealed that actors with high betweenness centrality played a crucial role in facilitating information flow and fostering coordination among local stakeholders. The prevailing structure of the networks was found to be decentralized and horizontally organized, which promotes equal collaboration. However, in some cases, such as in the village of Sorak, excessive cohesion may hinder the introduction of new ideas. Overall, the strengthening social capital can significantly improve natural resource management and enhance the social resilience of local communities. This study emphasizes the need to recognize and reinforce local capacities and social networks within participatory planning frameworks. Enhancing key dimensions such as trust, social cohesion, and effective communication within local networks can support collaborative processes and promote sustainable development in rural communities. Particularly in villages with dense social ties and low power centralization, strengthening effective communication, increasing betweenness centrality, and improving in-degree and out-degree flows can enhance collaboration and support collective decision-making. In sum, the findings highlight the critical role of social capital as a soft yet effective infrastructure in achieving sustainable development goals in rural areas. Especially under current complex conditions, social capital can serve as a vital tool for enhancing the quality of rural management and facilitating processes of social development.
 
Funding
According to the responsible author, this article has no financial support
 
Authors Contribution
The share and role of the first author, as the corresponding author, and the role of other authors as collaborators.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
This research has been conducted with the support of the Natural Disasters Research Institute and the Social Business Institute of the University of Tehran. The authors express their gratitude to these institutions for their valuable support.
Keywords

Subjects


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