The Role of Social Capital in Informal Institution in Crime Prevention: The Case of East Dembia Woreda in Amhara Region

Abstract

Crime is one of the prevalent social problems in many countries across the globe. To this end, many countries invest huge resources to curb the problem. In this respect, social capital is mentioned as one of the mechanisms used to prevent crimes in various related research works. In this connection, the objective of this study was to explore the role of social capital in crime prevention in east Dembia woreda. To meet this objective, the study employed mixed research approach; specifically sequential exploratory design. The qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews whereas structured questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically whereas frequency and percentage were used to analyze the quantitative data. Findings show that Iddir, Mehaber, Senbete and Jemiya were used to prevent crime in the study area. In doing so, these social capitals assist in creating community cohesion (90%), groups and neighborhoods to work together in crime prevention (93%), the provision of different supports (83%) and play significant role in preventing crimes (93%). Findings also show that community based information and communication programs and social sanction were the two major ways used to prevent crime in the study area. Findings show that information provision (83%), cultivation of trust and confidence (89%) and the use of various social sanctions (93%) as the ways used to prevent crime. Furthermore, community’s poor perception of crime, weak linkage among Iddirs, Mehaber, Senbete and Jemiya and lack of governmental support were identified as the major challenges that deter the effectiveness of social capitals in crime prevention. It implies that members of social capitals should develop an emphatic and understanding towards the Social Capital and Crime 9 importance of social capitals in crime prevention and thus should take the first initiatives in crime prevention in their locality by assuming the social work roles.