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Social asset or social liability? How partisanship moderates the relationship between social capital and Covid-19 vaccination rates across United States counties

Author

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  • Zhang, Zhiwei
  • Liu, Gao
  • Chen, Bin
  • Huang, Kun

Abstract

This study investigates the interactive effect of social capital and partisanship on COVID-19 vaccination rates. Using county-level data from the United States (U.S.), we empirically find that social capital is a double-edged sword. Its effect on the vaccination rate depends on the dominant partisanship of the jurisdiction. In more liberal counties, stronger social capital is a social asset that encourages people to seek vaccination and results in a higher vaccination rate. In contrast, in more conservative counties where the Trump-voting rate reaches 73% and beyond, stronger social capital becomes a social liability for public health by reinforcing residents’ hesitancy toward or rejection of vaccinations, leading to a lower vaccination rate. This study implies the need for reducing the partisanship salience and investing in bridging and linking social capital in polarized communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Zhiwei & Liu, Gao & Chen, Bin & Huang, Kun, 2022. "Social asset or social liability? How partisanship moderates the relationship between social capital and Covid-19 vaccination rates across United States counties," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:311:y:2022:i:c:s0277953622006311
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115325
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    2. Saville, Christopher W.N. & Mann, Robin & Lockard, Anthony Scott & Bark-Connell, Aidan & Gabuljah, Stella Gmekpebi & Young, April M. & Thomas, Daniel Rhys, 2024. "Covid and the common good: In-group out-group dynamics and Covid-19 vaccination in Wales and the United States," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 352(C).

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