Investigating the Relationship between Social Capital and Ethnic Identity

The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between social capital and ethnic identity among students of Tabriz University. The survey method using a researcher-constructed questionnaire was applied to gather the required data. 376 students were selected through proportionate stratified sampling method. According to the results, ethnic identity rate among students is at a high level. The results of the research revealed a significant positive correlation between social capital, structural dimension of social capital and student’s ethnic identity. However there was not a significant relationship between subjective dimension of social capital and students' ethnic identity. Students' field of study made a significant difference in the amount of their ethnic identity, but other demographic variables did not made such a difference. Also there is no significant relationship between age and ethnic identity. Increasing of social capital, therefore, can play an effective role in strengthening and Solidity the identity of individuals.