Attention to Social Capital In Iran After Recent Flood

Abstract

The recent flood in Iran was an opportunity to assess the practical status of social capital in Iran. Social capital is one of the key elements in shaping the interpersonal relationships of individuals in a society to achieve the highest humanitarian goals and improve the standard of living.[1] <br />Flood occurrence in 15 provinces of the total of 31 provinces of Iran along with flooding of rivers and extreme rainfall, reaching over 1,000 mm in some cases, spans more than a half of the country's geographic surface.[2]<br />From the early beginning of this tragedy, all people in Iran helped the flood victims. The institutions responsible for this area, such as the Red Crescent, the Interior Ministry, the Army and Police, all came to the aid of flood victims. But what all the world saw and was a huge reflection was the full participation of the people in this regard.<br />Self-help groups were formed in all affected cities and villages. Various medical, engineering and support groups with their unique presence helped flood victims. In total, while flooding had halved Iran, all Iranians came to the aid of flood victims.<br />In the short term, a large amount of intra-group and inter-group relationships was formed. Different ethnic groups helped each other and bonding and bridging social capital was formed. Trust was founded. Also,social network, participation and collaboration was formed.<br />In short, it can be said that the flood in Iran showed the greatness of Iran's social capital to the world.