Community ties are the first safety net of the poor. Where these ties are strong, individuals are better able weather the impact of sudden hardship, by relying on the support of their friends, neighbours, and locality. Where these ties are weak, individuals are at greater risk of adversity in the event of poverty or natural disaster, and have fewer support networks to facilitate economic and social advancement.
Theories of social capital in economic development distinguish between ‘bonding’ capital – ties to people who are similar in terms of their demographic characteristics, such as family members, neighbours, close friends and work colleagues – and ‘bridging’ capital, that is, relations that cut across vertical lines by facilitating upward movement across economic, social, and regional divides. The emphasis is usually placed on the importance of bridging networks that cut across social divides, as these allow greater social mobility and more widespread access to important information. But for many of the world’s people bonding ties are essential in protecting against social precarity, providing essential protection, risk management, and solidarity functions. Bonding social ties, such as those found within families and local communities, help individuals ‘get by’. They play a critical role in preventing poverty and social exclusion, by ensuring that individuals who fall on hard times do not also ‘fall through the cracks’ – as well as securing individuals’ wellbeing through a system of social relations and a community of identity.
The strength of ties to neighbourhood and associational life is measured by taking data on membership of local voluntary groups, time spent socialising with relatives and in local clubs, attendance of community meetings, and participation in development associations.
Data used for the 2020 Index:
| Indicator | Variable name | Source | Countries |
| Are you an active member of a church or religious organization? | active_member_relig_org | World Values Surveys | 45 |
| Are you an active member of a sports or recreational organization? | active_member_sports_club | World Values Surveys | 44 |
| Are you an active member of a voluntary organization? | active_member_volunt_org | World Values Surveys | 44 |
| Are you an active member of a women’s group? | active_member_women_group | World Values Surveys | 43 |
| Are you an active member of a art organization? | active_member_art_org | World Values Surveys | 44 |
| Are you an active member of a trade union? Percentage saying yes. | active_member_trade_union | World Values Surveys | 44 |
| Are you an active member of a political party? | active_member_political_party | World Values Surveys | 44 |
| Are you an active member of an environmental organization? | active_member_environmental_org | World Values Surveys | 44 |
| Are you an active member of a professional organization? | active_member_prof_org | World Values Surveys | 44 |
| Would you say that family is very important in life? | family_important | World Values Surveys | 73 |
| Would you say that friends are very important in life? | friends_important | World Values Surveys | 73 |
| Would you say that religion is very important in life? | religion_important | World Values Surveys | 73 |
| Are you an active member of a labour union? | active_member_labour_union | World Values Surveys | 44 |
| Are you an active member of a labour union or self-help group? | active_member_labour_union_selfhelp | World Values Surveys | 43 |
| Are you an active member of a political party or humanitarian organization? | active_member_pol_party_humanit_org | World Values Surveys | 43 |
| Are you a leader or active member of a religious group? | member_relig_group | Afrobarometer | 34 |
| Are you a leader or active member of a development association? | member_developm_assoc | Afrobarometer | 34 |
| Did you attended a community meeting in the past year? All respondents “Yes” or “Would do if had the chance” | attend_community_group | Afrobarometer | 34 |
| “If you were in trouble, do you have relatives or friends you can count on to help you whenever you need them?” | can_count_on_social_support | World Happiness Report-Gallup | 145 |
| Attendance at meeting of Community Improvement Group/Community Council Meetings | _partic_community_meeting | Americas Barometer | 10 |
| Attendance at Meetings of Women’s Group | attend_women_group | Americas Barometer | 7 |
| Attendance at Meetings of Religious Organization | attend_religious_group | Americas Barometer | 10 |
| “Important to help people and care for others well-being”. 1 for respondents “very much like me” and “like me” | important_help_others | European Social Survey (ESS) | 29 |
| How often do you meet socially with friends, relatives or work colleagues? | often_meet_friends_colleg_relat | European Social Survey (ESS) | 29 |
| Are you an active member of a labour union? | member_trade_union | Afrobarometer | 16 |
| Percentage membership of a voluntary organization | member_volunt_org | Latinobarometer | 18 |