Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2026.01.001
Gordana Marmulla, Ulrik Brandes
The identification of important nodes in a network is a pervasive task in a variety of disciplines from sociology and bibliometry to geography and chemistry, and an ever growing number of centrality indices is proposed for this purpose. While such indices are often ad-hoc, preservation of the vicinal preorder has been identified as the core axiom shared by centrality rankings on undirected graphs. We extend this idea to directed graphs by defining vertex preorders based on directed neighborhood-inclusion criteria. While, for the undirected case, the vicinal preorder is total on threshold graphs and preserves all standard centrality indices, we show that our generalized preorders are total on certain subclasses of threshold digraphs. We thus provide a consistent formalization of the hitherto rather conceptual notions of radial, medial, and hierarchical centralities. Through the criteria different notions of centrality are distinguishable, as we exemplify with selected standard centrality indices.
{"title":"Centrality in directed networks","authors":"Gordana Marmulla, Ulrik Brandes","doi":"10.1016/j.socnet.2026.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.socnet.2026.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The identification of important nodes in a network is a pervasive task in a variety of disciplines from sociology and bibliometry to geography and chemistry, and an ever growing number of centrality indices is proposed for this purpose. While such indices are often ad-hoc, preservation of the vicinal preorder has been identified as the core axiom shared by centrality rankings on undirected graphs. We extend this idea to directed graphs by defining vertex preorders based on directed neighborhood-inclusion criteria. While, for the undirected case, the vicinal preorder is total on threshold graphs and preserves all standard centrality indices, we show that our generalized preorders are total on certain subclasses of threshold digraphs. We thus provide a consistent formalization of the hitherto rather conceptual notions of radial, medial, and hierarchical centralities. Through the criteria different notions of centrality are distinguishable, as we exemplify with selected standard centrality indices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48353,"journal":{"name":"Social Networks","volume":"86 ","pages":"Pages 23-34"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145940548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.008
Xueying Zhang , Ting Wang
This study investigates how consumers’ real life social networks affect their intentions to engage in negative word-of-mouth (NWOM) and boycott behaviors when confronted with a brand’s Corporate Social Advocacy (CSA) that contradicts their preexisting attitudes toward the issue. A total of 178 participants completed an online egocentric network survey, which included 604 reported alters. The results suggest individuals’ intentions of NWOM and boycott are predominantly shaped by the attitudes of alters in the network, rather than the size of the network or network density. Anger and contempt significantly facilitate the impact of network characteristics on NWOM and boycott. The findings highlight that cohesion amplifies conformity, but it is shared meaning and affective resonance that ultimately motivate behavior.
{"title":"The influence of social network on consumers’ negative reactions toward corporate social advocacy: An egocentric network analysis","authors":"Xueying Zhang , Ting Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates how consumers’ real life social networks affect their intentions to engage in negative word-of-mouth (NWOM) and boycott behaviors when confronted with a brand’s Corporate Social Advocacy (CSA) that contradicts their preexisting attitudes toward the issue. A total of 178 participants completed an online egocentric network survey, which included 604 reported alters. The results suggest individuals’ intentions of NWOM and boycott are predominantly shaped by the attitudes of alters in the network, rather than the size of the network or network density. Anger and contempt significantly facilitate the impact of network characteristics on NWOM and boycott. The findings highlight that cohesion amplifies conformity, but it is shared meaning and affective resonance that ultimately motivate behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48353,"journal":{"name":"Social Networks","volume":"86 ","pages":"Pages 12-22"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145940547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.007
Sergio Buttazzo, Göran Kauermann
Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) are a powerful and flexible framework for modeling network data. A fundamental challenge in ERGM estimation is the correct specification of the (sufficient) statistics that define the model structure. This paper addresses the problem of variable selection in ERGMs by making use of LASSO, a penalized estimation technique that shrinks some parameter estimates to zero, effectively selecting relevant variables. While LASSO is well established in standard regression settings, its application to ERGMs remains less explored. Here, we demonstrate how LASSO can be employed in the ERGM framework to perform variable selection and propose a ranking procedure to assess the relevance of candidate model terms.
{"title":"Using LASSO for variable selection in exponential random graph models","authors":"Sergio Buttazzo, Göran Kauermann","doi":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) are a powerful and flexible framework for modeling network data. A fundamental challenge in ERGM estimation is the correct specification of the (sufficient) statistics that define the model structure. This paper addresses the problem of variable selection in ERGMs by making use of LASSO, a penalized estimation technique that shrinks some parameter estimates to zero, effectively selecting relevant variables. While LASSO is well established in standard regression settings, its application to ERGMs remains less explored. Here, we demonstrate how LASSO can be employed in the ERGM framework to perform variable selection and propose a ranking procedure to assess the relevance of candidate model terms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48353,"journal":{"name":"Social Networks","volume":"86 ","pages":"Pages 1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145886345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.006
Yohei Kato, Francine Chan, Belinda Yuen
Social isolation is an urgent challenge in urban environments worldwide. A widely used strategy is to establish social hubs within local neighbourhoods to promote social connection among residents, especially older adults. Yet little is known about the working and outcome of these social spaces, activities and programmes. The study seeks to address this knowledge gap and examine residents’ participation and membership in social activities and organisations within a public housing neighbourhood in Singapore using survey data (N = 300). Developing a comprehensive understanding of the social and spatial factors that facilitate resident interactions, Exponential Random Graph Models are employed, integrating three spatial mechanisms—spatial propinquity, spatial composition, and spatial configuration—alongside residents’ sociodemographic profiles, self-reported health and well-being, and perceptions of the local environment (e.g. place attachment, walkability). The study found that integrating multiple spatial mechanisms with residents’ characteristics offers deeper insight into local social connectedness. Spatial composition and configuration are stronger predictors of participation and membership than individual traits or proximity. It validates the configurational approach, showing that features like spatial integration and third places shape social interaction patterns. The findings illuminate how specific local organisations function as social hubs, offering guidance for designing community-based interventions while providing tools for evaluating such initiatives.
{"title":"Using social network analysis to understand residents’ social connection in a Singapore neighbourhood","authors":"Yohei Kato, Francine Chan, Belinda Yuen","doi":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Social isolation is an urgent challenge in urban environments worldwide. A widely used strategy is to establish social hubs within local neighbourhoods to promote social connection among residents, especially older adults. Yet little is known about the working and outcome of these social spaces, activities and programmes. The study seeks to address this knowledge gap and examine residents’ participation and membership in social activities and organisations within a public housing neighbourhood in Singapore using survey data (N = 300). Developing a comprehensive understanding of the social and spatial factors that facilitate resident interactions, Exponential Random Graph Models are employed, integrating three spatial mechanisms—spatial propinquity, spatial composition, and spatial configuration—alongside residents’ sociodemographic profiles, self-reported health and well-being, and perceptions of the local environment (e.g. place attachment, walkability). The study found that integrating multiple spatial mechanisms with residents’ characteristics offers deeper insight into local social connectedness. Spatial composition and configuration are stronger predictors of participation and membership than individual traits or proximity. It validates the configurational approach, showing that features like spatial integration and third places shape social interaction patterns. The findings illuminate how specific local organisations function as social hubs, offering guidance for designing community-based interventions while providing tools for evaluating such initiatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48353,"journal":{"name":"Social Networks","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 121-133"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.003
Kenneth S. Berenhaut , Liangdongsheng Lyu , Yuxiao Zhou
In this paper, we introduce a method to measure the extent to which individual ties in a social network contribute to cohesiveness in subgroups through consideration of heterogeneity in local/global connectedness. Employing the concept of (conflict-based) cohesion introduced recently by Berenhaut, Moore and Melvin [Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119 (4) (2022)], we define a measure of dissipation of cohesion over edges, as well as an accompanying local threshold which distinguishes dissipative from bonded ties. The resulting network of bonded edges can provide structural connectivity information which does not suffer from some typical resolution issues, while the network of dissipative ties can be used to identify regions of network vulnerability and possible fission. Importantly, the method can identify crucial and intermediary independent nodes, which may be informative in social and other settings. Applications to real-world data including two-mode networks are considered.
{"title":"Dissipation and bondedness in networks via conflict-based cohesion","authors":"Kenneth S. Berenhaut , Liangdongsheng Lyu , Yuxiao Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper, we introduce a method to measure the extent to which individual ties in a social network contribute to cohesiveness in subgroups through consideration of heterogeneity in local/global connectedness. Employing the concept of (conflict-based) cohesion introduced recently by Berenhaut, Moore and Melvin [<em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>, <strong>119</strong> (4) (2022)], we define a measure of dissipation of cohesion over edges, as well as an accompanying local threshold which distinguishes <em>dissipative</em> from <em>bonded</em> ties. The resulting network of bonded edges can provide structural connectivity information which does not suffer from some typical resolution issues, while the network of dissipative ties can be used to identify regions of network vulnerability and possible fission. Importantly, the method can identify crucial and intermediary <em>independent</em> nodes, which may be informative in social and other settings. Applications to real-world data including two-mode networks are considered.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48353,"journal":{"name":"Social Networks","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 108-120"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.005
Pildoo Sung , Angelique Chan , Abhijit Visaria , June May-Ling Lee
The interplay between the structural, functional, and evaluative dimensions of social isolation and their temporal dynamics remains underexplored. We investigated (1) older adults’ distinct social isolation profiles, each characterized by varying degrees of social ties, perceived social support, and loneliness; (2) the stability and changes in these profiles over time; and (3) factors associated with key transition patterns. Using random-intercept latent transition analysis on two-wave longitudinal data from 1305 older Singaporeans aged 60–91 years, we identified five time-invariant profiles: (1) diverse ties and support, less lonely (24.4 % at baseline); (2) relative ties and support, less lonely (25.8 %); (3) friend ties and support, less lonely (9.3 %); (4) less supportive ties, less lonely (31.1 %); and (5) less supportive ties, lonely (9.4 %). Over time, more than half of the respondents (56.1 %) changed profiles. Specifically, less educated and financially insecure older adults were more likely to transition from profiles with supportive ties (profiles 1–3) to the profile with less supportive ties (profile 4), without a concomitant rise in loneliness. Instead, increases in depressive symptoms were associated with persistence in or transition into the lonely profile (profile 5). Overall, socioeconomic disadvantages and deteriorating mental health were identified as distinct risk factors for reduced perceived support and loneliness, respectively, highlighting the necessity for tailored interventions.
{"title":"Getting lonely and isolated? Transitions in social isolation profiles over time and factors associated with them among older adults","authors":"Pildoo Sung , Angelique Chan , Abhijit Visaria , June May-Ling Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The interplay between the structural, functional, and evaluative dimensions of social isolation and their temporal dynamics remains underexplored. We investigated (1) older adults’ distinct social isolation profiles, each characterized by varying degrees of social ties, perceived social support, and loneliness; (2) the stability and changes in these profiles over time; and (3) factors associated with key transition patterns. Using random-intercept latent transition analysis on two-wave longitudinal data from 1305 older Singaporeans aged 60–91 years, we identified five time-invariant profiles: (1) diverse ties and support, less lonely (24.4 % at baseline); (2) relative ties and support, less lonely (25.8 %); (3) friend ties and support, less lonely (9.3 %); (4) less supportive ties, less lonely (31.1 %); and (5) less supportive ties, lonely (9.4 %). Over time, more than half of the respondents (56.1 %) changed profiles. Specifically, less educated and financially insecure older adults were more likely to transition from profiles with supportive ties (profiles 1–3) to the profile with less supportive ties (profile 4), without a concomitant rise in loneliness. Instead, increases in depressive symptoms were associated with persistence in or transition into the lonely profile (profile 5). Overall, socioeconomic disadvantages and deteriorating mental health were identified as distinct risk factors for reduced perceived support and loneliness, respectively, highlighting the necessity for tailored interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48353,"journal":{"name":"Social Networks","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 98-107"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.004
Siyun Peng , Martha Tillson , Maria Rockett , Marisa Booty , Carrie B. Oser
Tie formation has been a core interest of network researchers. However, most existing research on tie formation in prisons has focused on weak ties, assuming that a core network approach is less applicable within total institutions such as prisons. Drawing on egocentric network data from 389 incarcerated individuals and 1352 named network members, this study demonstrates that relationships between incarcerated persons can be examined using a core support network framework. We find that about 20 % of participants include at least one incarcerated peer in their core support networks, with these ties providing both practical and emotional support comparable to that offered by other core support network members. These findings underscore the critical role that peer relationships play in coping with the stresses of incarceration. This study also offers a rare opportunity to test tie formation theories in a total institution context. Specifically, our results support theories of contact opportunities, unmet social needs, and experiential homophily in shaping decisions to include at least one incarcerated peer in core support networks. By examining the dynamics of core support networks during incarceration, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of resilience and trust formation in highly constrained, high-stress environments.
{"title":"Beyond weak ties in prison: An investigation of core support networks of incarcerated persons","authors":"Siyun Peng , Martha Tillson , Maria Rockett , Marisa Booty , Carrie B. Oser","doi":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tie formation has been a core interest of network researchers. However, most existing research on tie formation in prisons has focused on weak ties, assuming that a core network approach is less applicable within total institutions such as prisons. Drawing on egocentric network data from 389 incarcerated individuals and 1352 named network members, this study demonstrates that relationships between incarcerated persons can be examined using a core support network framework. We find that about 20 % of participants include at least one incarcerated peer in their core support networks, with these ties providing both practical and emotional support comparable to that offered by other core support network members. These findings underscore the critical role that peer relationships play in coping with the stresses of incarceration. This study also offers a rare opportunity to test tie formation theories in a total institution context. Specifically, our results support theories of contact opportunities, unmet social needs, and experiential homophily in shaping decisions to include at least one incarcerated peer in core support networks. By examining the dynamics of core support networks during incarceration, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of resilience and trust formation in highly constrained, high-stress environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48353,"journal":{"name":"Social Networks","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 89-97"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.001
Martin G. Everett , Stephen P. Borgatti
In this paper, we examine common methods of analyzing network data in which we characterize nodes via categorical attributes. For example, we consider alter composition (counting the number of alters of a given type), alter heterogeneity (measuring the diversity of ego’s alters), homophily (similarity between ego and their alters) and Gould-Fernandez brokerage (assessing how often a node is in a position to broker between different categories). All of these techniques assume that all nodes belong to one and only one category -- i.e., the categorical attribute forms a node partition. However, there are a number of circumstances in which network actors belong to multiple categories. For example a manager might belong to multiple teams or project groups, while a teacher may teach more than one subject. We present a general approach for generalizing measures originally designed for mutually exclusive categories to the case where we have multiple memberships. Instead of a categorical vector, our method assumes a node by category membership matrix that is row-stochastic (e.g., the proportion of effort spent on each of several projects). Multiplying the adjacency matrix by this indicator matrix gives the indirect affinity each node has to each category through its alters. In the special case where each row has a single non-zero value (i.e., 1), the product counts the number of alters in each category, providing a true generalization of existing measures. In addition, we extend Burt’s structural holes measures to not only take into account category membership, but also handle the case of multiple memberships.
{"title":"Alter composition with overlapping group memberships","authors":"Martin G. Everett , Stephen P. Borgatti","doi":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper, we examine common methods of analyzing network data in which we characterize nodes via categorical attributes. For example, we consider alter composition (counting the number of alters of a given type), alter heterogeneity (measuring the diversity of ego’s alters), homophily (similarity between ego and their alters) and Gould-Fernandez brokerage (assessing how often a node is in a position to broker between different categories). All of these techniques assume that all nodes belong to one and only one category -- i.e., the categorical attribute forms a node partition. However, there are a number of circumstances in which network actors belong to multiple categories. For example a manager might belong to multiple teams or project groups, while a teacher may teach more than one subject. We present a general approach for generalizing measures originally designed for mutually exclusive categories to the case where we have multiple memberships. Instead of a categorical vector, our method assumes a node by category membership matrix that is row-stochastic (e.g., the proportion of effort spent on each of several projects). Multiplying the adjacency matrix by this indicator matrix gives the indirect affinity each node has to each category through its alters. In the special case where each row has a single non-zero value (i.e., 1), the product counts the number of alters in each category, providing a true generalization of existing measures. In addition, we extend Burt’s structural holes measures to not only take into account category membership, but also handle the case of multiple memberships.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48353,"journal":{"name":"Social Networks","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 80-88"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-06DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2025.11.003
Bas Hofstra , Thijmen Jeroense , Jochem Tolsma
Open political dialogue is regarded as foundational to democratic health and our social fabric. Here, we study political dialogue by examining with whom we prefer to talk about politics and why. In so doing, we develop and test hypotheses about what random encounters (e.g., meeting similar versus dissimilar others, meeting friends or colleagues) foster political dialogue, pose and test conjectures about what features of extended networks facilitate political debate, and present a new unique factorial survey experiment to answer our questions. We incorporated this factorial survey experiment within the NEtherlands Longitudinal Lifecourse Study 2022 (NELLS) and presented to a large sample of Dutch citizens – including Dutch ethnic majority members as well as minoritized Dutch with a Turkish or Moroccan heritage – a choice to engage in political talk or not. Hierarchical linear models reveal that relationship strength, rather than identity similarity (e.g., gender, ethnic), is the primary driver of opting for political dialogue. However, in encounters lacking prior relationship history, gender similarity increases the willingness to engage, and similar political views do relate to engaging in substantive debate modeled dichotomously. Ethnic diversity within extended networks fosters political discussion, while network size has a nonlinear association – medium-sized networks are more conducive to dialogue than very small or very large ones. These findings contribute to debates on political polarization by highlighting the relational conditions that encourage political exchange.
{"title":"The impact of dyads and extended networks on political talk: A factorial survey experiment in the Netherlands","authors":"Bas Hofstra , Thijmen Jeroense , Jochem Tolsma","doi":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Open political dialogue is regarded as foundational to democratic health and our social fabric. Here, we study political dialogue by examining with whom we prefer to talk about politics and why. In so doing, we develop and test hypotheses about what random encounters (e.g., meeting similar versus dissimilar others, meeting friends or colleagues) foster political dialogue, pose and test conjectures about what features of extended networks facilitate political debate, and present a new unique factorial survey experiment to answer our questions. We incorporated this factorial survey experiment within the NEtherlands Longitudinal Lifecourse Study 2022 (NELLS) and presented to a large sample of Dutch citizens – including Dutch ethnic majority members as well as minoritized Dutch with a Turkish or Moroccan heritage – a choice to engage in political talk or not. Hierarchical linear models reveal that relationship strength, rather than identity similarity (e.g., gender, ethnic), is the primary driver of opting for political dialogue. However, in encounters lacking prior relationship history, gender similarity increases the willingness to engage, and similar political views do relate to engaging in substantive debate modeled dichotomously. Ethnic diversity within extended networks fosters political discussion, while network size has a nonlinear association – medium-sized networks are more conducive to dialogue than very small or very large ones. These findings contribute to debates on political polarization by highlighting the relational conditions that encourage political exchange.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48353,"journal":{"name":"Social Networks","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 66-79"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-04DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.002
Obed Jones Owusu-Sarpong , Kabila Abass , Solomon Osei-Tutu , Armstrong Francis Tumawu , Razak M. Gyasi
Background
This study examines the association between social network connectivity and food insecurity among single parents in Ghana, and explores the modifying roles of age, sex, and spatial differences.
Methods
Data were collected from 627 single parents selected through a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. Social networks were evaluated using the Lubben Social Network Scale - 6 Item Version (LSNS-6). Food insecurity was assessed using the FIES Scale. Hierarchical multivariable linear regression models and interaction analyses were performed to evaluate the hypothesized associations.
Results
The mean age (SD) was 45.0 (14.7) years, and 67.3 % were females. After full adjustment, greater social network connectivity was significantly associated with lower food insecurity (B = −.093,p < 0.001). Age (B= −.002, p < 0.01) and spatial variations (B=.047, p < 0.05) moderated this association. Additionally, we observed significant negative associations of the social networks of relatives (B=-.105, p < 0.001) and of friends (B=.073, p < 0.01) with food insecurity
Conclusions
Social network connectivity was negatively associated with food insecurity, and this association was stronger among young adults and urban residents. Efforts for targeted interventions for single parents, in building resilient social network connectivity may provide a safety net in times of need.
本研究考察了加纳单亲家庭的社交网络连通性与粮食不安全之间的关系，并探讨了年龄、性别和空间差异的调节作用。方法采用多阶段分层抽样方法，对627名单亲家长进行调查。使用Lubben社会网络量表-6项版本（LSNS-6）对社会网络进行评估。粮食不安全状况采用FIES量表进行评估。采用分层多变量线性回归模型和相互作用分析来评估假设的关联。结果平均年龄（SD）为45.0（14.7）岁，女性占67.3% 。充分调整后，更大的社会网络连通性与更低的粮食不安全显著相关（B = - 0.093,p <； 0.001）。年龄(B=−。002, p <； 0.01)和空间差异（B= 0.047, p <； 0.05）调节了这种关联。此外，我们观察到亲属（B=- 0.105, p <； 0.001）和朋友（B= 0.073, p <； 0.01）的社会网络与食品不安全之间存在显著的负相关关系。结论：社会网络连接与食品不安全之间存在负相关关系，这种关联在年轻人和城市居民中更为强烈。努力为单亲父母提供有针对性的干预措施，建立有弹性的社会网络连接，可以在需要时提供安全网。
{"title":"Social network connectivity and food insecurity among single parents: Findings from a representative survey in Ghana","authors":"Obed Jones Owusu-Sarpong , Kabila Abass , Solomon Osei-Tutu , Armstrong Francis Tumawu , Razak M. Gyasi","doi":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.socnet.2025.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study examines the association between social network connectivity and food insecurity among single parents in Ghana, and explores the modifying roles of age, sex, and spatial differences.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were collected from 627 single parents selected through a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. Social networks were evaluated using the Lubben Social Network Scale - 6 Item Version (LSNS-6). Food insecurity was assessed using the FIES Scale. Hierarchical multivariable linear regression models and interaction analyses were performed to evaluate the hypothesized associations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age (SD) was 45.0 (14.7) years, and 67.3 % were females. After full adjustment, greater social network connectivity was significantly associated with lower food insecurity (B = −.093,<em>p</em> < 0.001). Age (B= −.002, <em>p</em> < 0.01) and spatial variations (B=.047, <em>p</em> < 0.05) moderated this association. Additionally, we observed significant negative associations of the social networks of relatives (B=-.105, <em>p</em> < 0.001) and of friends (B=.073, <em>p</em> < 0.01) with food insecurity</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Social network connectivity was negatively associated with food insecurity, and this association was stronger among young adults and urban residents. Efforts for targeted interventions for single parents, in building resilient social network connectivity may provide a safety net in times of need.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48353,"journal":{"name":"Social Networks","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 57-65"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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