Oskar Syamsudin, Aulanni’am Aulanni’am, Herman Suryokumoro, Anthon Efani
This study investigates the impact of social capital on youth crime reduction, with a particular focus on the mediating role of group participation. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), the research examines data from 600 youth respondents in Malang Raya, Indonesia. Social capital is operationalized into three dimensions: bonding, bridging, and linking. The findings reveal that all three forms of social capital significantly reduce criminal behavior among youth, both directly and indirectly. Bonding social capital, which reflects close emotional ties and strong interpersonal trust, exhibited the most consistent influence by reinforcing informal social control through family and neighborhood networks. Bridging social capital, representing diverse and cross-community networks, enhanced tolerance and social awareness that mitigated deviant behavior. Linking social capital, which connects youth to formal institutions, showed a more complex pattern effective when direct, yet potentially counterproductive when mediated by passive or symbolic group participation. Group participation emerged as a significant mediating variable, transforming social ties into behavioral norms and collective accountability. While bonding and bridging social capital strengthened participation that led to crime deterrence, the mediating role of linking social capital highlighted the need for meaningful engagement in institutional settings. These findings underscore the importance of promoting authentic, inclusive, and sustained youth involvement in both grassroots and institutional group settings. The study offers policy recommendations emphasizing participatory governance, youth-led community initiatives, and investment in social infrastructure as essential strategies for crime prevention. Overall, the research contributes to the growing body of literature that frames social capital as a foundational resource in building safer and more resilient communities. © 2026, Growing Science. All rights reserved.
Postgraduate School, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
