Gendered social capital in a Johannesburg township. Issue 3 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Myroniuk, Tyler W.
• Is Part Of: Sociological focus. Volume 49:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 231
• Page End: 246
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: Social sciences -- Periodicals; Sociology -- Periodicals; 301.05
• DOI: 10.1080/00380237.2016.1135031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-0237

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Social capital research rarely takes a gendered approach. This article explores how black women and men from a marginalized community in Johannesburg, South Africa, rely on family, friends, and community members to survive and strategize for the future by utilizing social capital. The results from 30 semi-structured interviews and ego network mapping illustrate that gender moderates the type of social capital used and benefits associated with bonding and bridging social capital in important ways. This research builds upon knowledge of gendered advantages and disadvantages in social networks and informs researchers how women and men survive in pervasive poverty. I posit that identifying potential sources of support is an important consideration within social capital or any network research because the prospect of receiving assistance in the future undoubtedly alters the development of these individuals' livelihood strategies.