Social Capital Survey

Field Dates: February – March 2011

Number of interviews: 2268                                                                                                               

Universe: Qatar

Sample: Qatari nationals, White-collar expatriates, and Blue-collar expatriates

Mode: Face-to-face Computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI)

Download Social Capital Survey Questionnaire

Abstract

The Social Capital Survey focuses on social life in the State of Qatar. The investigation of social capital in Qatar provides a window into the unique population characteristics of the broader Arab Gulf, as well as Qatar itself. In response to rapid economic development, Qatar, like most other Arab Gulf countries, has a sizeable immigrant population, comprised of expatriates (white-collar workers) mainly from the Arab and Western worlds and migrant laborers (blue-collar workers) mainly from South and Southeast Asia.

The main objective of the Social Capital survey was to assess the level vis-a-vis amount of social capital in Qatar. Broadly defined, social capital refers to connections within and between social networks. This is seen in social interaction between members of the same group and between different groups, membership and involvement in civil society, community and religious organizations and other indicators of social activity. The survey includes Qatari citizens, expatriate and labor migrant workers.

The Social Capital survey asked a variety of questions pertaining to social capital and civic engagement, including frequency and method of contact with friends, family and  co-workers, use of telecommunication technology (i.e. mobile phones, internet) and social networking sites (i.e. Facebook, chatrooms), and participation in neighborhood, community and work-related activities.

If you have any questions about SESRI datasets or their use, please contact us by email to: sesri@qu.edu.qa