Book chapter
English

A first portrait of personal networks in a comparative perspective

Published inWall, K., Widmer, E.D., Gauthier, J., Česnuitytė, V. & Gouveia, R. (Ed.), Families and personal networks: an international comparative perspective, p. 61-97
PublisherLondon : Palgrave Macmillan
Publication date2018
Abstract

In order to understand how changing trends of individualization and pluralization have been affecting personal networks in the three countries, this chapter provides an overview of the core characteristics of personal networks in Portugal, Switzerland, and Lithuania. First, we compare the size and composition of personal networks across the three countries, by highlighting the commonalities and differences. Secondly, we examine how the characteristics of personal networks are shaped by individuals' birth-cohort, structural conditions, and normative contexts. Findings show that the underlying mechanisms of proximity linked to kinship, friendship, co-residency, long-lasting acquaintanceship, and gender homophily are differently valued in the three countries. These differences are discussed in the light of individuals' social context, but also according to national historical pathways, welfare regimes, and social-economic conditions.

Affiliation entities Not a UNIGE publication
Citation (ISO format)
GOUVEIA, Rita, AEBY, Gaëlle, ČESNUITYTĖ, Vida. A first portrait of personal networks in a comparative perspective. In: Families and personal networks: an international comparative perspective. Wall, K., Widmer, E.D., Gauthier, J., Česnuitytė, V. & Gouveia, R. (Ed.). London : Palgrave Macmillan, 2018. p. 61–97. doi: 10.1057/978-1-349-95263-2_3
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Book chapter (Published version)
accessLevelPrivate
Identifiers
ISBN978-1-349-95263-2
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