Ryan, L. (2016) Looking for weak ties: using a mixed methods approach to capture elusive connections. The Sociological Review, 64 (4). pp. 951-969. ISSN 0038-0261
Abstract
Since Granovetter's path breaking work in the 1970s, there has been much discussion about the relevance of weak ties in finding new jobs and generally getting ahead in society. Subsequent research has found evidence to both support and challenge his original theory. However, concerns have also been expressed about the meaning of this concept. What exactly are ‘weak ties’, how are they created and what resources flow through them? In my previous work, I have distinguished between horizontal and vertical ties and the relationships and resources available within them. This paper goes further; drawing on new, mixed methods research with Polish migrants, I explore what types of social ties are useful in contexts of deskilling and finding jobs commensurate with qualifications. Interrogating the concept of ‘weak ties’, I argue that tie strength and ethnic composition are less important than relative social distance and willingness to share valuable resources. I propose that ‘strong ties’ can also act as vertical bridges (or ladders), while ties which are too ‘weak’ may lack necessary trust to share latent resources. I consider the importance of a temporal perspective to explore the dynamism and life cycle of ties over time – as some lapse while others strengthen.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2016 Wiley. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in The Sociological Review. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Migrant networks; tie strength; bridging social distance; narratives; visualization tools |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Department of Sociological Studies (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 15 Nov 2016 16:34 |
Last Modified: | 18 Jul 2017 16:09 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-954X.12395 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wiley |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/1467-954X.12395 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:107324 |