Abstract

Introduction: In light of the profound shifts in theoretical paradigms and approaches to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, this study aims to provide a novel redefinition of social capital by introducing the conceptual framework of “Fluid Social Capital.” The research addresses the central question: How does fluid social capital, rooted in fundamental components, contribute to the continuity of dynamic, relationship-based social interactions within intangible heritage? The focus is on the intersubjective, contextual, and dynamic nature of social capital in a heritage-based context.

Methods: The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative data derived from semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and autoethnographic narrative inquiry with quantitative data collected through a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data analysis involved thematic analysis and axial and selective coding to extract and explain theoretical components. The questionnaire was designed based on the qualitative findings and theoretical foundations, with reliability confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha. Quantitative data analysis employed the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests for distribution assessment, and Pearson or Spearman correlation tests, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA to examine relationships and significant differences.

Results: The findings reveal that the components of social trust, contextual dynamism, collective participation, and cultural memory and lived experience play a significant and pivotal role in strengthening fluid social capital.

Discussion: The proposed theory, by redefining the reciprocal relationship between social capital and intangible heritage, provides a conceptual and operational framework for the revitalization of cultural identities and the enhancement of social cohesion in heritage safeguarding processes. Additionally, the study highlights the necessity of fundamental revisions in cultural policies and the adoption of multi-level, participatory approaches to effectively safeguard intangible cultural heritage through dynamic human interactions.