On the changing structure of social networks in urban China

Ruan, Danching; Freeman, Linton C.; Dai, Xinyuan; Pan, Yuling; Zhang, Wenhong

doi:10.1016/s0378-8733(96)00292-4

Cited by 113 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…The only constraint is that if the social function requires or depends on a particular intensity of relationship, then that function may be restricted to a particular size of group. While cultural differences will exist in network structure (Kim and McKenry 1998), and networks within cultures may change through time (Ruan et al 1997), the general grouping levels defined by cognitive constraints should remain consistent.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social network size in humans

Hill

Dunbar

2003

Hum Nat

891

665

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This paper examines social network size in contemporary Western society based on the exchange of Christmas cards. Maximum network size averaged 153.5 individuals, with a mean network size of 124.9 for those individuals explicitly contacted; these values are remarkably close to the group size of 150 predicted for humans on the basis of the size of their neocortex. Age, household type, and the relationship to the individual influence network structure, although the proportion of kin remained relatively constant at around 21%. Frequency of contact between network members was primarily determined by two classes of variable: passive factors (distance, work colleague, overseas) and active factors (emotional closeness, genetic relatedness). Controlling for the influence of passive factors on contact rates allowed the hierarchical structure of human social groups to be delimited. These findings suggest that there may be cognitive constraints on network size.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social network size in humans

Hill

Dunbar

2003

Hum Nat

891

665

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…A dynamic perspective on personal networks has also been used to illustrate social and cultural changes in Russia (Lonkila, 1997), Eastern Germany (Völker & Flap, 1995), Hungary (Angelusz & Tardos, 2001), China (Ruan, Freeman, Dai, Pan, & Zhang, 1997), and America (McPherson, Smith-Lovin, & Brashears, 2006). The studies in post-communist societies illustrated how people used their personal networks as a resource for coping with the new market situation, either acquiring new acquaintances for taking advantage of market opportunities or deepening former relationships for obtaining products and services no longer provided by the system.…”

Section: Longitudinal Analysis Of Personal Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Longitudinal analysis of personal networks. The case of Argentinean migrants in Spain

et al. 2010

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This paper discusses and illustrates various approaches for the longitudinal analysis of personal networks (multilevel analysis, regression analysis, and SIENA). We combined the different types of analyses in a study of the changing personal networks of immigrants. Data were obtained from 25 Argentineans in Spain, who were interviewed twice in a two-year interval. Qualitative interviews were used to estimate the amount of measurement error and to isolate important predictors. Quantitative analyses showed that the persistence of ties was explained by tie strength, network density, and alters' country of origin and residence. Furthermore, transitivity appeared to be an important tendency, both for acquiring new contacts and for the relationships among alters. At the network level, immigrants' networks were remarkably stable in composition and structure despite the high turnover. Clustered graphs have been used to illustrate the results. The results are discussed in light of adaptation to the host society.

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“…The empirical research on the dynamic aspects of guanxi networks is emerging. Thus, a longitudinal study revealed dramatic changes in discussion networks among urban residents over a seven year period: decrease in size, decrease in co-workers' and family ties and increase in friendship ties (Ruan et al 1997). Longitudinal surveys of private enterprise owners in China found that while the number of friends who are technicians, workers and farmers has declined twice over four years, the number of friends who are government officials, enterprise cadres and entrepreneurs has increased twice in entrepreneurs' networks (Dai 2002).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Network dynamics and new ventures in China: A longitudinal study

Batjargal

2010

Entrepreneurship & Regional Development

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This study examines the effects of networking skills of entrepreneurs on network dynamics and venture legitimacy. The article is based on the longitudinal survey data of 94 Internet entrepreneurs in Beijing, China. The findings suggest that networking skills of entrepreneurs have positive effects on the structural changes of entrepreneurial networks over time. Further, improvements in networking skills of entrepreneurs are conducive to greater venture legitimacy measured as the number of institutional investors in the new venture. The research and practical implications are discussed.

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On the changing structure of social networks in urban China

Cited by 113 publications

References 11 publications

Social network size in humans

Social network size in humans

Longitudinal analysis of personal networks. The case of Argentinean migrants in Spain

Network dynamics and new ventures in China: A longitudinal study

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