Densidad, clase social y apoyo expresivo.

Abstract

In personal network analysis, the opposition between bonding and bridging networks has been at the core of most hypotheses relating network structure and support embedded in it. Due to its ease of operationalization and interpretation, density has been one of the most common indicators used for measuring bonding or close-knit networks. Nevertheless, the reliability of density as a measure of bonding networks has never been contrasted against a large and random sample of personal networks containing contacts beyond the support sub-network. Using a large sample of ego-centred networks (n=433) of 30 alteri each, this paper explores the correlation between density, expressive support exchanged, and Ego's class position within the Catalan social structure. Results suggest that density should preferably be used as a dependent variable related to stability and life transitions reflected in personal networks since it's relationship with support embedded in a personal network is weak.

Keywords

• Density
• Expressive support
• Social class
• Strength of tie