The effect of social capital on post-earthquake reconstruction (programmes) in Nantou County, Taiwan: an assessment

Abstract

The study aims, through an examination of social capital on post-earthquake reconstruction programmes, to assess the impact of government's programmes on integrated community development and to draw policy implications. To this end, the study explores the programmes implemented by the government in the communities of Nantou County after the earthquake. The findings show that of the three measurements, ‘infrastructure improvement’ satisfied most respondents in the three survey areas, but in Lugu Township and in Nantou City, further improvements are needed in ‘unemployment reduction’ and ‘respondents betterment’.

Keywords:

• social capital
• post-earthquake
• reconstruction programmes
• Nantou County
• Taiwan

JEL Classification::

• R11
• Q48
• Q27

Notes

¹ As cited in Winter (2000) Sookram et al. (2009).

² As cited in Winter (2000).

³ Word usage follows Fukutake (1972, p. 81).

⁴ The term ‘no policy implementation’ used in this study, indicates that apart from concrete construction on some maintenance engineering works, there is no software package or structural readjustment programme to revive the local economy.

⁵ ‘Market discrimination’ in this study is defined as specialization or having speciality products.

⁶ The ‘whole-county development plan’ referred to in this study means an integrated community development plan in which governments or planning agencies are able to integrate community resources, including natural and human resources, and to promote local specialities as distinct from other regions’ economic characteristics.