Social capital, social currency, and portable assets: The impact of residential mobility on exchanges of social support

Abstract

We examined the impact of physical distance on mobilized social capital resources. Social capital theory assumes that physical proximity and residential stability are prerequisites to social capital assets. We tested these assumptions using a two-wave panel sample from the National Survey of Families and Households consisting of respondents who experienced residential moves between waves. We found local duration since the last move to be beneficial for involvement in social exchanges. Mobility distance was related to deficits for some exchanges but not for others. Rather than a simple dichotomy between material resources that require proximity and nonmaterial resources that do not, we found that emotional and financial support are not affected by mobility distance but that tangible favors and companionship are affected negatively. Although kin exchanges are negatively affected by distant and recent mobility, nonkin exchanges are more extensive for respondents whose kin ties are more distant, suggesting a process of substitutability whereby nonkin may replace kin in the network. Our findings confirm the assumption of social capital theory about distance. They also point to the importance of adding the dimension of distance to exchange theory. Our study demonstrates that place has not lost all relevance in our highly technological postmodern society.

The Effect of Statewide Residency Restrictions on Sex Offender Post-Release Housing Mobility

“…Although little research has been conducted on parolee residential movement, there is ample theoretical research to suggest that frequent housing transitions may have implications for post-release integration. First, housing mobility can disrupt social networks and undermine social capital (Hagan et al, 1996;Magdol & Bessel, 2003;South & Haynie, 2004). Sampson and colleagues (1997) note that developing social networks takes time, and frequent housing moves could perpetually interrupt attempts to build social capital, frustrating attempts at successful reintegration.…”

Family Inclusiveness and Spatial Dispersion: The Spatial Consequences of Having Large and Diversified Family Configurations

“…money transfer, birthday presents) [12] [13] [14] [15]. However, migration and transnationality in families may not translate automatically into more spread-out significant family contexts.…”

Vivre loin de ses parents quand on est un jeune adulte : quel effet sur le lien de confidence?

“…Si la proximité géographique favorise le « care » et l'entraide familiale (Knijn et Liefbroer, 2006;Lawton et al, 1994;Litwak et Kulis, 1987;Mulder et Van der Meer, 2009), de nombreuses études sur la migration et les familles transnationales ont toutefois souligné le rôle considérable du lien à distance entre certains jeunes et leurs parents, notamment dans l'échange de soutien émotionnel et financier (Baldassar, 2008;Knijn et Liefbroer, 2006;Magdol et Bessel 2003;Mason, 1999Mason, , 2004Ryan, 2004;Vellekoop Baldock, 2003). Malgré une importante et progressive recomposition du réseau social des migrants dans la région ou le pays de destination, les liens familiaux verticaux (grands-parents, parents, enfants) semblent résister davantage à l'éloignement que les liens avec les amis ou les collatéraux (germains, cousins) (Bonvalet et Maison, 1999;Coenen-Huther et al, 1994;Grossetti, 2006).…”