Abstract
This paper examines the paradoxical nature of social capital structure in Kazakhstan, in which, despite low rates of generalized trust and minimal civil engagement in day-to-day activities, a high rate of informal co-operation is perceived during crisis periods. The aim of the study is to determine the factors that define the low level of social capital under normal conditions and to identify the mechanism of its activation during a crisis. A sequential mixed-method design is used, combining data from the World Values Survey (Kazakhstan, 2018, N = 1200), a national post-flood survey in 2024 (N = 8000), and an expert survey (N=54) in 2025. Quantitative results indicate consistently low levels of interpersonal trust and formal civic participation under normal conditions, whereas crises trigger a markedly higher level of collective mobilization, as evidenced by the 2024 flood response data. Qualitative data demonstrate that cultural norms of mutual aid serve as a key mechanism for crisis mobilization, while institutional mistrust and the weakness of formal structures hinder the development of sustainable civic participation under normal circumstances. The findings contribute to the discussion on crisis management, informal institutions, and the role of cultural norms in fostering collective resilience.