Developing Social Capital on Social Media among Female Farmers: Social Support Acquisition from a Closed Network

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the formation of social capital in a female farmers' network. Specifically, we investigate (1) which network property contributes to the ease of the social capital formation, and (2) what kind of social support can be obtained from the network. To answer these questions, we conducted a web questionnaire survey focusing on a female farmers' network on social media. Our results show the following: (1) Social capital is easily formed in a network that limits the occupations and genders of its participants; (2) Information, evaluation, and emotional support can be gained from the network consisting only of female farmers. These results would help us decide how to promote female farmers' empowerment.