Abstract:
This study explores how social capital and human and economic variations in poor localities influence the capacity for community efficacy. Through a multivariate analysis using 497 households in poor localities of Addis Ababa, we investigate how social capital dimensions (density of membership, informal network, trust and reciprocity) and human and economic characteristics (education and welfare status) of the households are related to community efficacy. Community efficacy is highly associated with increased participation in local associations; trust in the community, confidence in local institutions and pattern of reciprocity among inhabitants. These findings provide qualified support for the systemic model of local social organization but challenge theory of social disorganization that predicts lower levels of social capital in poor communities engendering lower capacity of community efficacy.