Building resilience: Tackling socioeconomic vulnerability in Kazakhstan's communities

Zabira Baizakova (), Saliya Sakenova (), Nurlan Baigabylov () and Medet Kudabekov ()

International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies, 2025, vol. 8, issue 1, 1530-1548

Abstract: This study explores resilience as a counterbalance to socioeconomic vulnerability in Kazakhstan, emphasizing both macro- and micro-level factors that shape the capacity of individuals and communities to adapt to adversity. At the macro level, the research examines systemic structures, including employment policies, income distribution, environmental equity, and the adequacy of social infrastructure. At the micro level, it analyzes individual and community capacities, such as access to education, social networks, and psychological well-being. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data from 2,900 respondents across five regions of Kazakhstan with qualitative insights from focus group discussions involving policymakers, social workers, and community leaders. Findings reveal critical challenges, including financial insufficiency of social benefits, limited access to assistance, housing insecurity, and employment barriers for caregivers and people with disabilities. These structural vulnerabilities are compounded by inflation and systemic inequalities, limiting the resilience of vulnerable populations. However, the study highlights key resilience-building mechanisms, such as flexible employment options, indexed social benefits, improved rural infrastructure, and community-based support systems. Policy recommendations focus on creating a national resilience strategy that integrates macro- and micro-level interventions, fosters equitable opportunities, and enhances individual and collective capacities to thrive. These findings contribute to global discussions on resilience and vulnerability reduction and offer practical insights for policymakers.

Keywords: Labor market; Quality of life; Resilience; Social support; Vulnerability. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://ijirss.com/index.php/ijirss/article/view/4698/699 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aac:ijirss:v:8:y:2025:i:1:p:1530-1548:id:4698

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies is currently edited by Natalie Jean

More articles in International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies from Innovative Research Publishing
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Natalie Jean ().