The relationship between social capital and development: Comparative analysis at national and regional level

This research aims to find out whether the relationship between the social capital and the development supports economic progress in a supportive direction on a regional and national level. In addition to that, comparative analyzes have been conducted to reveal whether social capital variables display similar trends at national and regional levels. The main purpose of the study is to determine the relation of social capital with development at national and regional level as well as to reveal the relational similarities and differences in terms of social capital at national and regional level. To this aim, datasets related to Turkey case obtained from the World Values Research Database were studied and, through Stata 16 program, the current relationship in 1991-2014 period was analyzed with the help of multinominal logistics regression modal. The data was obtained through a field work on a national level and was analyzed in Bahçeşehir University with support of Turkish Statistical Institute. As the data isn't classified on a regional level, the classification here is based on the cities and districts where the survey was conducted. In this respect, 12 subregions were set in accordance with the fields of the Surveys of World Value. The findings reveal that the current social capital level defined in terms of general trust is very low. Social Capital defined as institutional trust have some similarities and differences among sub-nations and on regional-national comparison. It is clear to see with the findings obtained that the social capital has the potential to be used in a way to positively contribute to the economic progress within Turkey and its sub-nations.