The relationship between social capital, social networks and social support: A case study on social services applicants in Kadıköy and Sultanbeyli

This study focuses on social capital and social support experiences that experienced by individuals especially who applied the social service institution before applying the institution. Study's aim is to understand the relationship between the social capital and social work experiences of individuals that lived before applying the institution and applying stories to the institution. The analysis unit in this study is the experiences, knowledges and trends of social capital and social support they experience in limited situation, with individuals applying the situation for professional social service support. Social capital and social support are gained in social relations. The foresight of this work which focuses on interpersonal social networks is socioeconomic and sociocultural status of individuals will affect the social capital and social support potential that they have and can access. From this perspective, social capital and social support experience status of both individuals that has socioeconomical and sociocultural disadvantage and hold the rural symbols and that has sociocultural and socioeconomical advantages hold the urban symbols are examined under two contradictory case studies. The focus on interactional structure-action integrated into the work while this shows the affects of structural positions the social capital and social support potential of individuals, at the same time accepted the efficiency of action on social capital and social support potential. The study was conducted in the social service centers of Sultanbeyli and Kadıköy regions where first application requests were received. In the study, it has been seen that the advantages and disadvantages in terms of socioeconomic and sociocultural factors affect the social capital and social support potential of the individuals. This situation has especially shown itself in financial support. On the other hand, despite the advantageous position of the individuals, it was also found in the research findings that the conscious actions can not mobilize the resources in the network, or despite the disadvantageous position as a result of interaction with the weak network with conscious actions can reach the resources. In the study, it was determined that individuals tend to use social capital and social support potentials before resorting to the institution and go to institution because of reasons such as "helplessness" and "unable to stand".