ABSTRACT
The positive impact of social capital on adolescent well-being has been well documented, but its role in early childhood development remains underexplored, especially in the Asian contexts. This study investigates how family and community social capital shape behavioural outcomes among preschool children (aged 3–6), using nationally representative data from the Singapore Longitudinal Early Development Study (N = 2206). Multilevel regression models show that both family and community social capital were linked to fewer behaviour problems before the COVID-19 pandemic, with disadvantaged children benefiting most from community cohesion, consistent with resource substitution theory. However, the influence of community social capital weakened during the pandemic, benefiting only children in middle- or high-SES neighbourhoods, while disadvantaged children faced compounded risks from limited family and community resources. The findings have implications for policymakers to foster community social cohesion and reciprocity, especially in the post-pandemic period, which, in turn, could promote social equity and children’s well-being.