Why some survive: coping, resilience and social capital in armed conflict

Contemporary armed conflicts are taking place almost exclusively in the 'developing world'. Millions of people who are mostly poor are being displaced from their homes and livelihood, as well as separated from their families and communities. Further, violence and diseases are the major causes of death and morbidity. Yet, there are many who survive. However, very little is known about how and why they survive. In particular, the role of social capital in the coping responses of people and their recovery from the adversities created by armed conflict is not clearly understood. This paper explores the ways by which social capital is a resource for coping and recovery for people displaced by armed conflict. Social relationships and networks of reciprocity are among the elements of social capital that mediate the impact of armed conflict on people's vulnerabilities. It is thus argued that humanitarian agencies should use strategies that can enhance the capacity of people to mobilise their local resources for coping, survival and recovery.