Conflict brings about drastic changes in the underlying social relationships between members of a community. But despite studies in both the economics and sociology literatures showing the importance of strong social fabric and community ties, the topic of social capital is often ignored in the research on conflict and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

In this regard, an independent researcher is conducting a research on the livelihoods of displaced persons and returnees from Nahr el-Bared refugee camp in North Lebanon. This research aims to look at how displacement can change an individual’s level of social capital and subsequently his/her access to labour markets and household welfare.

In this regard; a household survey (600 households) among previous residents of Nahr el-Bared will be conducted in December of 2012. This household survey will include 600 households and will cover a range of socio-economic variable