The Relation between Social Capital and Ethnic Convergence In West Azerbaijan Province

Social capital and the phenomenon of ethnicism are deeply connected to the level of ethnic-orientation. Likewise, the level and depth of ethnicity depends on different factors and situations. Therefore, it is critically important to categorize and quantify the ethnic interests in achieving ethnic convergence. This research is aimed at investigating the relation between concepts of ethnic convergence and social capital in West Azerbaijan province. This applied research is conducted through descriptive-analytical method. The sample consists of 100 competent experts in Orurmieh studies. Research indicators include five main components of social capital and seven indicators of ethnic convergence. The results indicated that the extent of social capital among the subjects was at a moderate to low level (2.51). However, ethnic convergence was at a higher level (2.7) in the population, more appropriate than social capital. The main outcome of this study revealed that there is a positive and significant relation between social capital and ethnic convergence. Finally, some strategies were presented in order to achieve ethnic convergence in West Azerbaijan province by using social capital.