Neighbourhood social ties: how much do residential, physical and virtual mobility matter?

Abstract

Following up on the prediction by classical sociological theorists that neighbours will become irrelevant as societies become more mobile, this research examines the strength of people's social ties with neighbours and the associations thereof with residential, physical and virtual mobility using longitudinal data for Germany. Unlike previous studies, the research considers the three forms of mobility simultaneously and contrasts its effects on social ties with neighbours to those with family. The results show that residential and physical mobility are negatively associated with social ties to neighbours and positively with ties to family. Virtual mobility does not weaken social ties with neighbours but ties with family. The positive association between mobility and social ties with family may not be strong enough to ascertain that people maintain as close social ties to others in the future as it does not outweigh the negative association with visiting neighbours.

Changes in residential satisfaction after home relocation: A longitudinal study in Beijing, China

“…For instance, it is very common post-relocation for movers to lose their social ties (e.g. Knies, 2013) and have diminished exchange of social support, such as tangible favours and companionship (Magdol and Bessel, 2003). On the other hand, due to budgetary constraints, there may be some trade-offs between different residential attributes during relocation.…”

Residential mobility and moving home

“…This abstract and inclusive concept of home does not require a physical structure or setting, and importantly, has the capability to be recreated and experienced from place to place. This changed definition will be increasingly important to consider when discussing current trends that impact on residential mobility and experiences of home, such as transnationalism (Blunt & Dowling, ); declining homeownership and dependence on unstable private renting (Burke, Stone, & Ralston, ; Lund, ); and maintenance of family, employment, and social networks via virtual technology (Knies, ). Home is now discussed in geography as “simultaneously mobile and sedentary, as localised and extensible” (Ralph & Staeheli, , p. 525).…”

“…and maintenance of family, employment, and social networks via virtual technology (Knies, 2013). Home is now discussed in geography as "simultaneously mobile and sedentary, as localised and extensible" (Ralph & Staeheli, 2011, p. 525).…”

Responding to Neighborhood Problems: Is the Division of Community Labor Gendered?

“…What is largely absent from this scholarship is whether the strength of the association between social ties and informal social control action differs for women and men. For the most part, women have more private ties (Dahlin et al, 2008; Knies, 2013; Monti et al, 2003) and larger parochial networks than men (Campbell & Lee, 1992; Dahlin et al, 2008). Women also spend more time socializing with neighbors (Barnes, 2003) and are more likely to know their neighbors by name than men (Campbell & Lee, 1990).…”

“…Sex differences may also indirectly influence informal social control actions through their effect on its correlates—specifically neighborhood social ties, fear of crime, and perceived disorder. Studies reveal that the extent of neighborhood social ties, levels of fear, and perceptions of neighborhood problems are significantly different for women and men (Barnes, 2003; Campbell & Lee, 1990; Dahlin, Nyberg, Bäckman, & Neely, 2008; Haynie, 1998; Jackson & Gray, 2010; Knies, 2013; Monti, Butler, Curley, Tilney, & Weiner, 2003; Warr, 1984; Wickes, Hipp, Sargeant, & Homel, 2013). Thus, it is possible that the strength of association between these processes and informal social control may vary across women and men, in general, and in relation to their family and household arrangements.…”