Factors associated with social capital development among Russian post-2022 migrants
Migration often disrupts existing social networks, requiring migrants to rebuild social ties and social capital in new environments. This study examines how everyday social practices shape the reconstruction of social capital among Russian migrants who left the country after February 2022. While previous research has primarily focused on institutional integration, less attention has been paid to the role of family circumstances and gendered practices in the development of social capital after migration. Additionally, the study examines how employment, parenthood, and gender are associated with different dimensions of social capital. Social capital is defined as consisting of social relationships, reflected in the number of acquaintances and interactions with others, and social attitudes, including generalized trust and perceptions of others’ honesty. The analysis is based on two online surveys conducted in 2023 among Russian migrants and a comparison group of individuals who remained in Russia (“stayers”), with a total sample of 491 respondents. Regression models were used to examine the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and indicators of social capital. The results show that parenthood and gender are strongly associated with broader social networks and more frequent social interaction among migrants. Women and migrants with children demonstrate higher levels of social capital than men and childless migrants. These patterns are largely specific to migrants and are not observed among stayers.
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