Global network analysis within migration studies. There is a growing literature in migration studies on global networks (Boyd, 1989; Portes, 1995; Douglas et al, 2005). This is arguably linked to the general shift in network analysis, as Robert Holton notes, from seeing networks as part of an organized system (Castells) to seeing them as nodes with a very fluid, mobile, and uneven set of flows (Urry) (Holton, 2005:76). This accrued meaning of networks seems in part to derive and in part to adapt to the contemporary differentiation, acceleration and globalization of migration patterns (Castles and Miller, 2005:9). Social Capital The heuristic potential of network theories within migration studies is evident in the cross-fertilization with social capital and ethnic entrepreneurship notions. Global networks are often theorized as migrants' social capital, and social capital is seen as sustained by migrants' networks (Massey at al, 2005 :96, Portes, 1995). In this sense migrants' social networks are defined as interpersonal ties that link migrants, former migrants, and potential migrants in origin and destination areas through the connections of kinship, friendship, and shared community origin (Massey at al, 2005:96). The existence of these ties is hypothesized to increase the likelihood of emigration by lowering the costs, raising the benefits and mitigating the risks of international movement (Massey at al, 2005:96). Transnationalism and diaspora Diasporic and transnational studies have brought a somewhat different emphasis to the dynamics of interconnectedness (Gilroy, 1993) inscribed in global networks. This approach has allowed us to grasp a more articulated understating of migrants' belongings, of their fluid identities and trans-border communities, conceptualizing global networks as those inter-personal connections across borders which are also inter-communal and inter-organizational (Werbner, 2004:896). Pnina Werbner emphasizes how in the global village these networks are sustained by daily contact by telephone, email, low cost flights mobile phone, which make instant connection and communication an experienced reality for transmigrants (Werbner, 2004:896). Paul Gilroy highlights the extra-nationality, [and] trans-cultural and intercultural processes that sustain global networks (Gilroy, 1997:339). Global theories, according to him, do not allow the same theoretical progress as network analysis, because they possess a too totalising immodesty and ambition (Gilroy, 1997:339). Perhaps this is too harsh a criticism, especially considering certain strands of globalization theories, which look at 'the people side of globalization' and bottom up forms of globalization. For example, Braithwaite and Drahos advance an articulation of globalization with individual agency while distinguishing between webs of powers (elite networks of business and government officials) and webs of dialogues (look at the cooperation and sharing of knowledge) (Braithwaite and Drahos, 2000 in Holton, 2005:77). Household networks Another important contribution within migration studies, is that network theories have shed new light on household and family dynamics. Networks represent a meso-level of analysis which considers both the structural and individual forces shaping migration, and looks at how classed, gendered, sexualized member of the household influence and sustain migration projects (Phizacklea, 2000:122; Hondogneu-Sotelo, 2003; Werbner, 2004). This has been particularly relevant in unpacking gender dynamics of migration, although the gendered nature of networks still remain largely undiscovered and gendered theorizations of networks still need to be developed. Ultimately the intersecting contribution of transnational, diasporic and global perspectives in network analysis has been vital to conceptualizing the complexities of modern fluid societies. Within this framework, global networks can be understood as alternative or oppositional forms of contemporary belonging and citizenship, and network analysis as a site for thinking about the complexities of the social contexts in which migration occurs, especially the difficult question of connectivity and interaction among global subjects.