Social Capital: A Cultural Value on the Brink of Collapse

Social capital is defined as the networks, norms, and trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation among the society which has long served as the invisible infrastructure of a society. Deeply rooted in the culture of island life, in the Maldives Social capital shaped traditional livelihoods, ensured collective well-being, and fostered a strong sense of community. However, with rapid urbanization, increasing political polarization, and rising individualism; this intangible but critical asset is under significant threat. This article examines the decline of social capital in the Maldives, looking at how the nation’s politics, migration patterns, and changing lifestyle choices are dismantling this essential pillar of civic life.

Social capital, as conceptualized by Putnam (2000), Coleman (1988), and Bourdieu (1986), involves the trust, norms of reciprocity, and social networks that enable individuals to act collectively for mutual benefit. In the Maldivian context, social capital historically thrived through tightly knit island communities where shared labor, communal rituals, and cooperative values were central to daily life.

Living in isolated atolls with limited external resources required islanders to depend on one another. Events such as boat building, weddings, funerals, and even agricultural activities were community-driven efforts. Systems like the “rah kuriaruvaa committee” (island improvement groups), “haruge” (communal place for gathering), and “miskithu fen valhu” (gathering place to collect water) fostered not only productivity but solidarity and belonging.

Yet, contemporary social and political shifts are eroding these age-old practices. The once strong bonds of cooperation and mutual aid are weakening, and social capital in the Maldives appears to be on the brink of collapse.

Yet, contemporary social and political shifts are eroding these age-old practices. The once strong bonds of cooperation and mutual aid are weakening, and social capital in the Maldives appears to be on the brink of collapse.

The rapid pace of urbanization, especially in Malé and Hulhumalé, has significantly disrupted the traditional social fabric. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2022), over 40% of the Maldivian population now resides in the Greater Malé area, despite it comprising less than 2% of the country’s land area. This migration has led to the fragmentation of long-standing community networks.

In rural islands, rituals that once bound communities such as collective fishing expeditions, community mosque cleaning, and island sweeping are fading. For instance, when fishing vessels used to be dry-docked for repairs, the entire island would mobilize. Men offered labor, while women prepared refreshments, and children participated in the excitement. Today, such events are rare, often replaced with paid labor or mechanized services.

In urban centers, high-rise housing further isolated families. As Ahmed (2021) observed, vertical living in Hulhumalé reduces opportunities for spontaneous interaction, trust-building, and the casual support systems that were integral to horizontal island life.

The introduction of multiparty democracy in 2008 marked a significant political turning point in the Maldives, meanwhile it also deepened societal divisions. Political affiliation often dictates social relationships, employment opportunities, and even access to services. Families and communities were split along party lines, weakening trust and discouraging cooperative action. Transparency Maldives (2022) reported that 68% of Maldivians view politics as a source of division in their communities. In small island settings, where anonymity is impossible, political allegiance can result in social ostracization, reduced job mobility, or denial of communal resources.

Local councils, once envisioned as tools of participatory governance, are frequently seen as politically captured entities. A recent survey conducted by USAID showed that young people believe that they should be more involved in political decision making, meanwhile only 43% agreed that the local council engages with the community effectively (UNDCO: 2025). This argument itself shows the seclusion of the local council from the community while they make important decisions that directly affect the island communities.

Traditional Maldivian life was subsistence-oriented, rooted in cooperation and simplicity. However, the proliferation of consumer culture driven by tourism, global media, and digital platforms has ushered in new values: individual success, material aspiration, and competition.

Today, youth are more engaged with global trends than local traditions. Evening “Joali” (traditional woven chair or swing) and “Holu Ashi” (made from coconut tree logs, a traditional resting place located near the harbor or communal places) conversations once central to daily life are replaced by time spent on phones, streaming platforms, or in isolated indoor environments. As Bourdieu (1986) suggested, when social engagement is displaced by material accumulation, social capital weakens.

Moreover, online platforms, while offering connections, often reinforce ideological echo chambers, intensifying social division rather than unity. The power of virtual “followers” has, in some communities, replaced real-life “neighbors”.

In earlier generations, the Maldivian community acted as the primary safety net. If someone fell ill, suffered loss, or faced financial hardship, neighbors stepped in without expecting anything in return. Today, this spirit is diminishing. Monetization of social services and welfare has replaced volunteerism. Weddings that once involved community cooking and shared spaces now depend on commercial services and hired help. Even mosque cleaning, once done by volunteers, is now outsourced in many islands.

In earlier generations, the Maldivian community acted as the primary safety net. If someone fell ill, suffered loss, or faced financial hardship, neighbors stepped in without expecting anything in return. Today, this spirit is diminishing. Monetization of social services and welfare has replaced volunteerism. Weddings that once involved community cooking and shared spaces now depend on commercial services and hired help. Even mosque cleaning, once done by volunteers, is now outsourced in many islands.

Simultaneously, state welfare schemes, though improved, are bureaucratic and inconsistent. Those in need often find themselves caught between a blurry informal safety net and an unresponsive formal system. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and single mothers, are particularly affected.

Despite the decline, the Maldives still holds potential for social capital regeneration. A multipronged strategy could help restore trust, cooperation, and collective belonging.

• Depoliticize Local Governance: Community associations, parent-teacher groups, and youth organizations must be protected from political interference. Transparent budgeting and participatory planning can rebuild trust in local councils.

• Design for Social Connection: Urban planning must prioritize communal interaction; parks, shared courtyards, and public seating can encourage face-to-face encounters.

• Education for Empathy and Responsibility: Schools should incorporate civic education rooted in cultural values. Empathy, interdependence, and volunteerism must be taught alongside academic subjects.

• Leverage Technology for Good: Digital platforms can host virtual “haruge” (community spaces), promote volunteerism, and crowdsource community projects.

• Strengthen Cultural Identity: Programs such as storytelling festivals, community feasts, and island clean-up days can reconnect youth with cultural values while fostering cooperation.

Whiteley (2000) states that the studies conducted in 34 countries from the period from 1970 to 1992 conclude that social capital has an impact on growth on economies which is at least as strong as that of human capital or education. Later Bartolini and Bonatti (2008) claimed that although output may temporarily rise, weakening social capital can ultimately dampen long-term economic growth.

Maldives had made remarkable strides in economic development, urban infrastructure, and democratic reform. However, if the country fails to restore social capital, the country is risking sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

Restoring social capital is not about returning to the past; it is about adapting cultural values of cooperation, trust, and reciprocity to modern life. It is essential for national growth, democratic vibrancy, and the well-being of future generations. If ignored, the collapse of social capital will become not only a cultural tragedy, but a structural vulnerability of the nation.

Restoring social capital is not about returning to the past; it is about adapting cultural values of cooperation, trust, and reciprocity to modern life. It is essential for national growth, democratic vibrancy, and the well-being of future generations. If ignored, the collapse of social capital will become not only a cultural tragedy, but a structural vulnerability of the nation.

References

• Ahmed, A. (2021). Urbanization and Social Connectivity in the Maldives: A Sociological Study of Hulhumalé. Maldives Journal of Development Studies, 5(2), 45–60.

• Bartolini, S., & Bonatti, L. (2008). Endogenous growth, decline in social capital and expansion of market activities. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 67(3–4), 917–926.

• Bourdieu, P. (1986). The Forms of Capital. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education (pp. 241–258). Greenwood.

• Coleman, J. S. (1988). Social Capital in the Creation of Human Capital. American Journal of Sociology, 94(Supplement), S95–S120.

• National Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Statistical Yearbook of Maldives. Malé: Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

• Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.

• Rasheed, M. (2017). Migration and the Changing Dynamics of Island Communities in the Maldives. Indian Ocean Sociological Review, 2(1), 71–89.

• Transparency Maldives. (2022). Democracy Survey: Public Opinion and Civic Participation in the Maldives. Malé: Transparency Maldives.

• UNDCO. (2025) Fostering the power of young Maldivians. Accessed (13.07.2025). Available from < https://un-dco.org/stories/fostering-power-young-maldivians>

• Whiteley, P. F. (2000). Economic growth and social capital. Political Studies, 48(3), 443–466.

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Maldives Economy Today [Vol 1 - Issue 4] July 2025