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Social capital and economic growth: A meta‐analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Xindong Xue
  • W. Robert Reed
  • Robbie C. M. van Aert

Abstract

This research provides a comprehensive, quantitative synthesis of the empirical literature on social capital and economic growth. It assesses 957 estimates from 83 studies. While our preferred estimate of the overall mean effect is close to zero and statistically insignificant, the main finding of our analysis is the substantial degree of effect heterogeneity. We find that social capital effects can range from large negative to large positive, suggesting that its impact on economic growth varies substantially depending on the context. However, our investigation was unable to trace the sources of this heterogeneity to any observable data, estimation, and study characteristics. This suggests that other factors, not included in our study, are responsible. Our analysis did uncover significant publication bias, indicating that the estimates of social capital's effects in the empirical literature are overstated. A further finding from our analysis is that we found no evidence that different types of social capital have different effects on economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Xindong Xue & W. Robert Reed & Robbie C. M. van Aert, 2025. "Social capital and economic growth: A meta‐analysis," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(4), pages 1395-1432, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jecsur:v:39:y:2025:i:4:p:1395-1432
    DOI: 10.1111/joes.12660
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • B40 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - General
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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