Social Capital Erosion among LDLs — Boyas, Nackerud
NI BUENA SALUD NI BUENA VIDA: THE EROSION OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AMONG LATINO DAY LABORERS DURING THE TIME OF COVID-19 Javier F. Boyas, PhD, Associate Professor and MSW Program Director
Javier Boyas
Larry Nackerud, PhD, Professor
A
sizable body of literature now exists that highlights the relationship between social capital resources and health status as a result of the positive health returns associated with social ties. These studies have established that increased levels of social capital are essential determinants of better health. We refer to social capital as the notion of social growth being cultivated through relationship building.1,2 Given that health differences among racial and ethnic populations are tied to economic and social conditions, which are potential byproducts of social capital, it is essential that consideration is given to the impact the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had on the undocumented Latino day laborer (LDLs) community. This paper addresses how this virus has eroded the social capital resources on which LDLs rely on for better health and health outcomes.
The development of social capital has to be placed within the context of social class, power struggles, and positionality,1 which
Larry Nackerud
is why we maintain that the loss of social capital for LDLs has occurred as a result of social policies and a politically hostile environment. Policies and ordinances enacted during this pandemic have reduced social capital levels that may lead to inadequate resources that promote and sustain a better health condition. Social capital resources influence health outcomes through four health-related pathways: social support, social influence, social engagement, and access to resources and material goods.3,4 These pathways have been diminished in several ways. For example, stay-at-home orders have shut
SOCIAL JUSTICE WANTED | 2020-2021
9
