Social Ties Research Articles

Co-evolving networks for opinion and social dynamics in agent-based models.

The rise of digital social media has strengthened the coevolution of public opinions and social interactions that shape social structures and collective outcomes in increasingly complex ways. The existing literature often explores this interplay as a one-directional influence, focusing on how opinions determine social ties within adaptive networks. However, this perspective overlooks the intrinsic dynamics driving social interactions, which can significantly influence how opinions form and evolve. In this work, we address this gap, by introducing the co-evolving opinion and social dynamics using stochastic agent-based models. Agents' mobility in a social space is governed by both their social and opinion similarity with others. Similarly, the dynamics of opinion formation is driven by the opinions of agents in their social vicinity. We analyze the underlying social and opinion interaction networks and explore the mechanisms influencing the appearance of emerging phenomena, such as echo chambers and opinion consensus. To illustrate the model's potential for real-world analysis, we apply it to General Social Survey data on political identity and public opinion regarding governmental issues. Our findings highlight the model's strength in capturing the coevolution of social connections and individual opinions over time.

사회적 연결은 득인가 실인가: 사회적 연결의 이점과 비용에 관한 연구 동향과 과제

Network theory has traditionally focused on social ties as its primary subject of study, investigating patterns of linkages and relationships among actors and the ensuing social structures from various perspectives. This paper reviews the extant literature on both the positive and negative effects of social ties and social networks. It transcends the mainstream research tradition that has predominantly emphasized positive impacts, presenting domestic and international studies that explore the constraints and costs engendered by social ties, including the excessive homogenization they can cause. Specifically, the paper delves into Granovetter’s (1973) “strength of weak ties” theory, Burt’s (1992, 1995) structural hole theory, which addresses both the patterns of connections and relationships between actors and the resultant structures, and Coleman's (1990) concept of network closure, which underscores the overall structure of social networks. In doing so, this paper presents core tenets of these theories and critically evaluates the current state of knowledge as presented in leading domestic and international management and sociology journals. Finally, considering the implications of networks and their social ties for organizational research, alongside the ease with which individuals can now join various networks through the rapid development of online and mobile social networking sites, the paper underscores the importance of focusing on the costs and constraints that actors face when navigating numerous social connections. It also highlights the necessity of being wary of confirmation bias caused by suggestion algorithms embedded in online sites and proposes directions for future research.

Menguatkan Ikatan Sosial Antar Suku Dan Solusi Untuk Ketidakaktifan Remaja Desa Niur Dusun 02 Kecamatan Sukaraja

Indonesia is a country rich in ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, which is both a strength and a challenge in maintaining social balance. This diversity requires special efforts to build strong social ties, especially among teenagers as the nation's next generation. This research aims to identify the problem of adolescent inactivity in inter-ethnic social activities and offer solutions to strengthen these social ties. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method in Niur Village, this research found that lack of motivation and access to inter-ethnic activities as well as stigma and stereotypes were the main factors causing adolescent inactivity. To overcome this problem, multicultural education approaches and inclusive social programs that encourage positive interactions between ethnic groups have proven effective in increasing youth participation and strengthening social cohesion. The results of this research show the important role of education, social programs, and changing perspectives in society to create a generation of teenagers who are more active, tolerant, and contribute positively to social cohesion in Indonesia.

Network governance and reflexivity in fisheries management: a case study of Northern Ireland

ABSTRACT Network governance arrangements, wherein resource users are empowered, are vital for ocean sustainability. These arrangements are critical to implementing innovative practices, particularly those developed to address the negative impacts of top-down management. The adoption of networked governance can foster resource management capacity and equitable decision-making. Research has focused on social ties within networks but has provided a somewhat limited account of how networks evolve to instil novel practices. To implement new practices, networks must engage in reflexive governance. Reflexivity is underpinned by actors’ receptivity to change and network learning. Actors’ receptivity to change relates to whether they acknowledge past failures and how novel management ideas become accepted. Network learning is the degree of change instigated by actors’ reflexive processes. Drawing on the receptivity and network learning theories, and informed by semi-structured interviews, an assessment was conducted on how a fisheries management network in Northern Ireland has reflexively evolved to implement new practices. Findings illustrate that the network has reflexively redesigned how they collaborate, share knowledge, and contribute to policymaking. Demonstrating single– and double-loop learning, these developments have been derived from reflections on the failure of past processes and the instigation of more co-creative processes that benefit all network actors.

Sinergi KKN Dan Masjid: Mewujudkan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Di Masjid Al-Muttaqin Renah Lebar

Mosques play an important role in the life of Muslim communities, not only as places of worship but also as centers of socio-religious activities. Mosque empowerment is needed to strengthen the function of mosques in various aspects of community life. This research aims to explore and analyze community participation in empowering mosques with a narrative study regarding the implementation of mosque-based Community Service Programs (KKN) at the Al-Muttaqin Mosque, Renah Lebar. The main focus of this research is to understand how community involvement in KKN activities can influence mosque empowerment and community capacity development. The research method used is a narrative study approach which involves in-depth interviews, observation and documentation of various stakeholders, including mosque members, KKN students and the surrounding community. The research results show that community participation in mosque-based KKN programs not only improves the function and role of mosques in the community but also strengthens social ties and motivates the community to be more active in religious and social activities. This research concludes that mosque-based KKN can be an effective model for community empowerment, provided there is careful planning and good collaboration between all parties involved. It is hoped that these findings can contribute to the development of mosque-based community empowerment programs in other areas.

농촌 방문객, 그들은 관계인구인가 관광객인가?: 농촌 관계인구 특성에 관한 탐색적 연구

Purpose: This study examines the value of ‘relational population’ as a way to counteract rural decline. Rural areas are spaces of diverse values, but due to population decline, rural areas are facing a weakening of the community base and the disappearance of localities. The concept of relational population is introduced in the process of shifting policy goals from quantitative to qualitative population expansion. Methods: This study surveyed 3,000 adults to estimate the size of the rural relational population, examine their activity behaviour and institutional support, and analyse the differences in activity behaviour between rural relational population and rural tourists. Results: As a result, four groups were identified: (1) the rural relational population, (2) rural tourists, (3) potential relational population, and (4) the unrelational population. Among them, the rural relational population was found to utilise local social ties to stay for a longer period of time compared to one-time tourists. On the other hand, tourists have superficial behaviour in terms of using local social networks and low intention to stay. On the other hand, the majority of people are unrelational and preliminary relational population, and it seems that institutional support such as environmental improvement and urban-rural exchange policies are needed to expand population. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the study explored ways to expand the relational population in terms of policy and institutions, and proposed various practical tasks to revitalize rural areas in various ways.

Improving social connection with weak ties and strangers: effects of a new micro-intervention on interaction quality and social behavior

ABSTRACT We propose that the emotional quality of people’s interactions with acquaintances (i.e. weak ties) and strangers contributes to well-being. We test whether a new micro-intervention can raise the quality of these interactions. We randomized young adults (N = 335) to this connectedness micro-intervention or a control intervention. Both interventions were delivered via a psychoeducational video followed by a brief conversation with a virtual human, with whom participants developed if-then plans to carry out their assigned behavioral goal. Pre-intervention, high-quality weak-tie and stranger interactions were associated with lower loneliness and greater mental health, independent of strong-tie interaction quality. Experimental data showed that the connectedness intervention improved the emotional quality of participants’ interactions with weak ties and strangers over 2 days, evident in participants’ episodic self-reports and faster in-lab conversational response time. Discussion centers on implications for developing scalable behavioral interventions to improve well-being.

Tradisi Massafa’ Suku Bugis Di Desa Sumber Jaya Kabupaten Banyuasin

Islamic religious values have a big influence on the social life of the Bugis-Makassar and Makassar communities in South Sulawesi. Apart from that, this research also shows that in the history of South Sulawesi there have been political and social changes that have influenced the lives of the Bugis-Makassar tribe, but interpersonal ties and the process of cultural acculturation still play an important role. people's lives. The Makassar Bugis Tribe in South Sulawesi and its History, Culture, Traditions and Rituals. This research also explains the importance of educating children, as well as the religious and social values contained in the Massafa' tradition. Apart from that, this research also discusses traditional cakes from the Bugis and Makassar tribes, as well as the philosophical values associated with these cakes.

The impact of formal and informal credit institutions on entrepreneurship

Purpose How do informal lending institutions affect entrepreneurship? This paper aims to investigates the role of formal and informal credit market institutions in the decision to become an entrepreneur over the life cycle. Design/methodology/approach The author developed a dynamic Roy model in which a decision to become an entrepreneur depends on the access to formal and informal credit markets, nonpecuniary benefits of entrepreneurship, career-specific entry costs, prior work experience, education, unobserved abilities and other labor market opportunities (salaried employment and nonemployment). Using detailed Russian panel microdata (the Russia longitudinal monitoring survey) and estimating a structural model of labor market decisions and borrowing options, the author assesses the impact of the development of informal and formal credit institutions. Findings The expansion of traditional (formal) credit market institutions positively impacts all workers’ categories, reduces the share of entrepreneurs who borrow from informal sources and incentivizes low-type entrepreneurs to switch to salaried employment. The development of the informal credit market reduces the percentage of high-type entrepreneurs who borrow from formal sources. In the case of default, a higher value of the social network or higher costs of losing social ties demotivate low-type entrepreneurs to borrow from informal sources. The author highlights the practical implications of estimates by evaluating policies designed to promote entrepreneurship, such as subsidies and accessibility regulations in credit market institutions. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature in several ways. Unlike other studies that focus on individual characteristics in the selection for self-employment [Humphries (2017), Hincapíe (2020), Gendron-Carrier (2021), Dillon and Stanton (2017)], the paper models labor and borrowing decisions jointly. Previous studies discuss transitions between salaried employment and self-employment, taking into account entrepreneurial earnings, wealth, education and age, but do not consider the availability of financial institutions as a driving factor for the selection into self-employment. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper shows for the first time that the transition from salaried employment to self-employment is standard and consistent with changes in access to financial institutions. Another feature of this study is incorporating both types of credit markets – formal and informal. The survey by the European Central Bank on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (2018) shows 18% of small and medium enterprise in EU pointed funds from family or friends. Therefore, the exclusion from consideration of informal credit markets may distort the understanding of the role of the accessibility of credit markets.

Loneliness and Mode of Social Contact in Late Life.

Social contact may alleviate loneliness, but little is known about within-person daily fluctuations in loneliness and social encounters. Older adults who feel lonely may engage in different modes of social contact (in-person, phone, digital). This study asked how different forms of contact are associated with loneliness throughout the day. Participants were 313 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65-90). They completed ecological momentary assessments reporting on their social encounters (e.g., type of social partner, mode of contact) and their loneliness every 3 hr for 5-6 days. We differentiated close social ties from ties not identified as close (i.e., weak ties). We examined within-person effects using multilevel models. Findings revealed that momentary loneliness predicted a greater likelihood of phone contact in the next 3 hr. However, only in-person contact was associated with lower levels of loneliness. Regarding close and weak ties, momentary loneliness was associated with more in-person and phone contact with close ties, yet fewer in-person contacts with weak ties. In-person contact with both close and weak ties predicted lower levels of loneliness. Although older adults engage in both in-person and phone contact when they feel lonely, it appears that only in-person contact may reduce loneliness. Digital contact was not widely adopted as a response to momentary loneliness among these older adults. Findings underscore older adults' willingness to maintain regular contact with close ties. Interventions addressing older adults who are lonely may consider innovative approaches to increase in-person contact.

Play contagion in African elephants: The closest, the better

Behavioural contagion is an automatic process through which a behaviour performed by an individual (trigger) is reproduced by an observer (responder) without necessarily replicating the exact motor sequence. It has been linked to inter-individual synchronisation and possibly emotional contagion. Play can convey emotions and enhance social bonding, although its contagiousness is understudied. To verify social play contagion presence and modulating factors, we gathered audio-video data on social play, distance and affiliation on a group of savannah African elephants (15 individuals) at Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabarceno (Cantabria, Spain). Social play was contagious as it was more likely started by uninvolved elephants (within 3-min) in Post-Play Condition (PP) - after that other elephants had started playing - than in Matched-control Condition (MC; no previous play). Social play contagion mostly occurred within 30 m – probably due to elephants’ limited visual acuity – and it was highest between individuals that affiliated the most, with the distance-affiliation interaction having no effect. The most prominent individuals in the social play network were also the most influential in the play contagion network (Eigenvector-centrality measure). Play contagion was socially modulated, thus suggesting it may extend from motor replication to the replication of the underlying affective state.

Habitus of Interreligious Harmony in a Central Java Village

The diversity present in Nalen is a blessing, as it fosters cohesion in social, cultural, and religious ties, in contrast to the various conflicts that often arise from such differences. This cohesion resulted from the formation of a habitus of peace. This study aimed to answer the question of how the habitus of peace is cultivated in Nalen, a small village in Central Java. Data were systematically collected through in-depth interviews with prominent figures and community members in Nalen, complemented by observations. The subsequent analysis of the data employed Bourdieu’s theoretical framework, which delves into the intricacies of habitus development within the Nalen community. This analysis scrutinizes various forms of capital, with a particular emphasis on social and cultural capital, substantively contributing to the fortification of the habitus. This study finds that the habitus of interreligious harmony can manifest organically, devoid of external coercion, showcasing the community’s robust autonomy in the formative process. Additionally, the objective and subjective structures of society, alongside historical factors, emerge as foundational elements that influence the trajectory of habitus formation. Ultimately, habitus is cultivated within the collective consciousness of the community and is sustained by the diverse capital resources at their disposal.

The Ties That Bind: The Association Between Social Network Ties, Integration, and Stress Among Incarcerated Women

Social integration is theorized to enhance psychological well-being and reduce stress among incarcerated women. However, little empirical research has examined the association between prison social integration and women’s stress during incarceration. This study expands on previous research by (a) examining the relationship between different types of prison network ties among incarcerated women and self-reported stress and (b) exploring whether women’s perceptions of social integration mediate the association between prison network ties and stress. Using ordinal logistic models that incorporate social network and survey data from two women’s prisons in Pennsylvania ( N = 223) (WO-PINS), we find that pseudo-family–based, friendship-based, and trust-based network ties formed during incarceration are associated with reduced stress among incarcerated women. However, we find limited evidence that perceptions of social integration mediate the relationship between prison network ties and stress, suggesting that prison network ties are associated with stress reduction independent of an individual’s perception of integration.

Worried (and) sick: how environmental hazards affect Americans’ health-related risk attitudes

This study explores risk attitudes towards environmental hazards by adapting the Comprehensive Conceptual Risk Perception Model (CCRPM) and applying it in the context of health-related implications of these hazards. We argue that personal experience and a deeper understanding of environmental hazards increase risk perceptions, while a strong social context reduces health concerns. Utilizing data from a national survey (N = 1207), our findings reveal higher health-related risk perceptions among individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, those with greater knowledge of environmental threats exhibit heightened concern about health complications. Conversely, individuals in communities with robust social ties report lower risk attitudes. An in-depth analysis further indicates that residents of high-risk communities, characterized by higher levels of air pollution, have increased risk perceptions compared to those in less polluted areas. These findings reinforce the dimensions described in the CCRPM and highlight the significance of structural conditions in shaping individuals' risk perceptions.

Friendly, not friends: migrant settlement and diverse social ties in Australian regional cities

ABSTRACT Visa policies and pathways are increasingly driving international migration to Australia’s regional and rural centres. Often embedded within a multicultural imaginary, notions of friendliness and neighbourliness are instilled in the ‘small town’ narratives of these regional cities. However, little is known about whether this friendliness translates to the formation of deeper, meaningful connections that create the conditions for a sense of belonging to emerge. Drawing on empirical data from two regional cities across Queensland, this research investigates the challenges and barriers to forming friendships between migrant communities and ‘local’ Australian residents. We explore how co-ethnic relationships, while significant, do not always benefit and bolster migrants’ sense of belonging in the regions. Instead, we argue that inter-ethnic friendships with other migrant communities offer pathways to belonging in regional contexts. In doing so, we challenge prevalent assumptions regarding the inherent value of co-ethnic ties and the tensions so often raised within inter-ethnic relations.

Assessment of state policy and legal framework related to enhancing the well-being of the elderly in Thailand

The ageing of society significantly influences the economic system and social stability and is a global challenge of the 21st century. The study aimed to explore ways to improve the quality of life of older people in the Lower Central Region of Thailand. The study was based on a qualitative approach and was conducted by collecting information from 8 key informants through structured interviews. The study substantiated the expediency of creating a centralised database to improve communication between all actors in the system of ensuring the welfare of the elderly, which improves the quality of services provided, contributes to a better basis for political decisions and promotes a more rational use of resources. The study noted that key respondents identify expanding access to healthcare, increasing financial assistance and strengthening social support systems to ensure the holistic well-being of older people as urgent problems in the region. The need for wider use of the latest technologies and the creation of an intelligent information management system in the area of elderly people’s welfare is emphasised in the study. Given the negative impact of social isolation on the quality of life of older people, particular attention is devoted to the effective management of senior clubs, namely the priority of various activities, intergenerational interaction and meaningful leisure to strengthen social ties and belonging to society. The integration of Buddhist principles and psychological theories is emphasised as an important tool for developing compassion, mindfulness and positive outcomes. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of integrated approaches and comprehensive measures to optimise care for older people and improve their well-being. The results of the study can be used to determine the content of information to be included in the centralised database and to develop an algorithm for exchanging information between its users

Sundanese Ethnic Mentifact Culture Silih Asih, Silih Asuh, Silih Asah in the Context of Ethnopedagogy

Sundanese culture has various values and norms that are upheld by its people. One of the important concepts in Sundanese culture is silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah, which describes harmonious social relationships and mutual assistance between people. In the context of ethnopedagogy, the concept can play an important role in local wisdom-based education. This study aims to explore the Sundanese ethnic mentifact culture of silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah in the context of ethnopedagogy and to find out the implementation of silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah in elementary schools. This research focuses on how the concept of silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah can enrich and strengthen educational practices in Sundanese society. This research method uses a qualitative method of ethnography. The data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and documentation studies. The data analysis technique used is descriptive interpretative. The results showed that silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah, are still relevant and applied in the daily lives of Sundanese people. These values not only strengthen social ties but also have the potential to be applied in the world of education. In addition, it can help shape and improve the character of students who have empathy, tolerance, responsibility and enthusiasm for learning. In the context of ethnopedagogy, the values of silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah can be integrated into learning to create a more meaningful and local wisdom-based learning environment. The implementation of these values can help maintain and preserve Sundanese culture and improve the quality of learning.

The great equalizer? Mixed effects of social infrastructure on diverse encounters in cities

Casual encounters with diverse groups of people in urban spaces have been shown to foster social capital and trust, leading to higher quality of life, civic participation, and community resilience to hazards. To promote such diverse encounters and cultivate social ties, policymakers develop social infrastructure sites, such as community centers, parks, and plazas. However, their effects on the diversity of encounters, compared to baseline sites (e.g., grocery stores), have not been fully understood. In this study, we use a large-scale, privacy-enhanced mobility dataset of >120 K anonymized mobile phone users in the Boston area to evaluate the effects of social infrastructure sites on the observed frequencies of inter-income and inter-race encounters. Contrary to our intuition that all social infrastructure sites promote diverse encounters, we find the effects to be mixed and more nuanced. Overall, parks and social businesses promote more inter-income encounters, while community spaces promote more same-income encounters, but each produces opposite effects for inter-race encounters. Parks and community spaces located in low-income neighborhoods were shown to result in higher inter-income and inter-race encounters compared to ordinary sites, respectively, however, their associations were insignificant in high-income areas. These empirical results suggest that the type of social infrastructure and neighborhood traits may alter levels of diverse encounters.

Deviant Cohesion and Unauthorized Atrocities: Evidence from the American War in Vietnam

Why do soldiers engage in unauthorized atrocities? This article explores this question by analyzing the use of postmortem mutilation by American soldiers during the Vietnam War. I show that such acts were remarkably frequent, despite being explicitly prohibited by military policy, and argue that individual-level variation in participation in such violence is explained by social dynamics within military units. Soldiers used mutilation mostly as a means of avenging enemy atrocities or deaths among comrades. Revenge motives were stronger when soldiers shared particularly strong social bonds. Whether these motives resulted in unauthorized atrocity, however, depended on the extent to which discipline was maintained within military units. In units characterized by “deviant cohesion”—strong social ties and weak discipline—informal combatant norms diverged from organizational policies and promoted unauthorized atrocities as a unit-level practice. Evidence for this theory comes from a combination of archival sources and survey data gathered from a representative sample of Vietnam War veterans. A case study of a single Army unit illustrates the mechanism implied by the theory.

Shouldering the Double Burden of Homophobia and Racism Alone: Challenges to Seeking Social Support and Finding Community Among Sexual Minorities of Color

ABSTRACT Social support is important to well-being, and people with more supportive social networks tend to be healthier. Sexual minorities are generally at risk of worse health outcomes, and as “double minorities,” sexual minorities of color are vulnerable to experiences of both homophobia and racism. Yet, we know little about how they navigate their social relationships or how efficacious these relationships are. This study draws from 25 in-depth interviews of Black and Latino/a sexual minority adults, finding that respondents experience conditional social support from their networks. Familial ties are ill-equipped to provide support related to their sexual identity but more equipped to provide support related to racism. Inversely, ties to the LGBTQ community provide support related to sexual identity but impose challenges related to racial identity. Our analysis makes two novel contributions regarding social belonging among sexual minorities of color: First, strong ties and shared identity are not inherently predictive of the accessibility or quality of social support. Second, social integration and isolation are not mutually exclusive but can be experienced simultaneously. Given that social support and community ties can be health protective, this study provides insight into effective community building that meets the comprehensive needs of sexual minorities of color.