Size and composition of social networks: what really matters for social cohesion and integration?

Project summary

The objective of this research is twofold. In the first part of the study we will focus on characterizing the structure and testing the determinants of the size of the social networks, both the discussion networks and the more extended networks that are forged with acquaintances in Chile. In the second part, we will focus on examining the relationship between social network structure, size and composition (e.g. homophily patterns), and different outcomes traditionally understood as components of social cohesion. In this sense, we test what kind of network conformations are more favorable for intergroup social cohesion and integration. We will use data from the Longitudinal Social Study of Chile (ELSOC) 2016.