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Crisis and connection among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study in Bangladesh through a social capital lens
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Crisis and connection among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study in Bangladesh through a social capital lens

Mumita Tanjeela, Shannon Rutherford, Zulfa Kamal Marwa and Masum Billah
International review of sociology, Vol.35(2), pp.353-373
16/04/2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03906701.2025.2489058
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications

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Abstract

COVID-19 Coping strategies Social capital University students Bangladesh
The global health emergency caused by COVID-19 affected student's socioeconomic conditions and health worldwide. Public health restrictions changed students' lifestyles, family and community relationships, and reliance on support systems. The COVID-19 pandemic mandated a shift to virtual learning. Students found themselves unprepared, anxious, and ambivalent. This study delved into the challenges students face and the coping strategies adopted by students at the university level in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study also strived to identify how social connectedness or social capital contributed to resilience building among students. Qualitative research was conducted using a case study approach. The study followed purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to explore university-level students' socioeconomic challenges and coping strategies. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The study findings revealed various challenges students face, including socioeconomic crises, physical and mental health issues, and difficulties adapting to online education. The research examined three patterns of social capital - bonding, bridging, and linking - that students leveraged as key support mechanisms. These patterns assisted students in developing coping strategies and contributed to their resilience in overcoming challenges. Implications demonstrate further research on social connectivity's importance in building resiliency against crisis.

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