The Social Network: A Reconsideration of the Concept of Attachment

Abstract

The concept of attachment is reviewed and is found to be somewhat confusing and restrictive. An alternative to this concept, a social network approach, is offered to clarify the issues central to the study of social relationships. First, the following definition features of attachment are critically examined: (1) the affectionate quality of the relationship; (2) the role of proximity-seeking and maintaining behaviors; (3) the enduring quality of the relationship; (4) the uniqueness of the relationship and differentiality of behavioral expression; (5) attachment as an all-or-none phenomenon, and (6) attachment as a ‘tie’, ‘bond’, or ‘behavioral system’. Second, a social network approach is presented and specific propositions concerning this approach outlined.