Social Capital of Parliaments: A Comparative Model for Rebuilding the Relationship between Parliament and Society in Iran

Document Type : Research/Original/Regular

Author

Department of Islamic Revolution studies, Faculty of Culture and Social studies, Institute of Islamic Culture and Thought, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The decline of social capital in representative institutions, including parliaments, is a common challenge for both emerging and established democracies in recent decades. In many countries, public trust in parliament has fallen below fifty percent, a trend that has contributed to the weakening of legislative legitimacy and reduced compliance with parliamentary decisions. This article aims to conduct a comparative study of social capital in the parliaments of seven selected countries(Bangladesh, the Netherlands, Finland, France, the United States, Germany, and Italy) and derive policy recommendations for strengthening the social capital of the Islamic Consultative Assembly(Iranian Parliament). The findings reveal that specific factors have played a role in the decline of parliamentary social capital in each country, including budget deficits(Belgium), a focus on local issues(Ireland), administrative corruption(Italy), media transparency(Sweden), economic crisis(the UK), and civic apathy(Portugal). Meanwhile, global surveys indicate that public trust in the Islamic Consultative Assembly in Iran remains higher than the global average, yet proactive policymaking is still needed to enhance this capital. Using a four-dimensional framework—trust, participation, self-sacrifice, and informal interaction—this article proposes strategies for improving the social capital of the Iranian Parliament. Key recommendations include enhancing transparency, strengthening public engagement, emphasizing representatives' commitment and efficiency, and reshaping the media image of the parliament.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Social Capital Management
Volume 13, Issue 2
July 2026
Pages 175-189

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