Cracks in the Network Conversion Paradigm

One of the standard generalizations about new religions is that people convert to NRMs primarily through preexisting social networks. The present paper examines data on a variety of new religions which demonstrates that social networks are not always the dominant point of contact for new converts. Additionally, recruitment patterns change over time so that different factors become dominant at different points in a movement’s development. Two reasons why this variability has escaped the attention of most researchers is an unconscious tendency to assume that the sociological profiles of members of different NRMs are essentially similar, and the fact that such groups are typically studied synchronically rather than diachronically.

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Critical moments in long-term condition management: A longitudinal qualitative social network study

Chronic Illness ◽

10.1177/1742395317714033 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 119-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rebecca L Morris ◽

Caroline Sanders

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Health Management ◽

Self Management ◽

Long Term Conditions ◽

Change Over Time ◽

Face To Face ◽

Term Condition ◽

Over Time ◽

Critical Moments

Objectives Recent literature has demonstrated the nature and importance of social networks. This study aimed to understand how support needs of people with long-term conditions change over time and how this influences their ability to self-manage. Methods A longitudinal qualitative design was used to explore changes in individual’s social networks over a period of year. Thirty participants were recruited and completed initial in-depth face-to-face interviews, telephone follow-ups, and final face-to-face interviews. Results Findings illuminated that changes in health and changes in social networks can influence each other. The social networks implicated in the management of long-term conditions change over time at critical moments and can range between positive and negative reciprocal influences with self-management. Network changes, such as the breaking or reconnecting of ties influenced the context of health management and the degree of engagement with self-management activities. Discussion By examining the specific processes of support and resource provision, this study highlights how overtime the variety of relationships and support available implicated in long-term condition management changes. This has implications for the provision of formal support services and the need for a wider range of support to be identified that recognises change in support requirements as self-management strategies evolve.

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The Shape of Identity

10.1093/oso/9780190841041.003.0006 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Nicolette D. Manglos-Weber

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Social Networks ◽

The United States ◽

Change Over Time ◽

Personal Trust ◽

Race Ethnicity ◽

Over Time

Migrations abroad for a better life take place within the context of complex lifelong trajectories. While Ghanaians coming to the United States are usually motivated by specific aspirations, frequently having to do with education or professional opportunities, their aspirations often change over time and in response to opportunities and setbacks. They are constantly revising their aspirations while also negotiating their identities along dimensions of race, ethnicity, and nationality. Furthermore, this process is deeply embedded in the relationships they hold on to from home and the new ones they form abroad. In that sense, revisions of aspirations and negotiations of identity are embedded in social networks. This chapter steps slightly away from the topic of religion to the more general issues of aspiration and identity, in order to support the ultimate argument that religious-based relationships of personal trust influence such revisions and negotiations.

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Networks from Communication

10.1093/oso/9780190275433.003.0008 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 235-273

Author(s):

Jan Fuhse

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Intercultural Communication ◽

Social Relationships ◽

Niklas Luhmann ◽

Relational Sociology ◽

Change Over Time ◽

Recent Developments ◽

Over Time

Social networks form, stabilize, and change in the process of communication. Rather than start from actors, communicative events are conceptualized as the basic units. In the sequence of communication, these events are attributed to actors, together with underlying dispositions. Relational expectations about the behavior of actors toward others ensue, effectively structuring communication and making for the regularities of communication we observe as relationships and networks. Social relationships do not exist either/or, but as particular bundles of expectations that gradually arise, stabilize, and change over time. The approach combines recent developments in relational sociology around Harrison White with the theory of communication by Niklas Luhmann and others. Three areas of application and extension of this model are discussed: (1) intercultural communication, (2) collective and corporate actors, and (3) methods for studying communication in networks.

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Safety and Relational Continuity in Sport for Development With Marginalized Young People

Journal of Sport Management ◽

10.1123/jsm.2020-0428 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-14

Author(s):

Katherine Raw ◽

Emma Sherry ◽

Katie Rowe ◽

Shelley Turner

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Young People ◽

Safe Space ◽

Future Research ◽

Change Over Time ◽

Safe Spaces ◽

Relational Continuity ◽

Ethnographic Approach ◽

Sport For Development ◽

Over Time

Sport for development (SFD) is often used to engage young people in programs that target a range of issues, such as disengagement or marginalization. However, if designed inappropriately, SFD can do more harm than good by reinforcing social divides or past trauma. Consequently, scholars suggest that future research should delve beyond program impacts and examine the importance of safe spaces within SFD programs. In light of this, we explored how program design, delivery, and staffing can impact the creation and maintenance of a safe space and continuity in an SFD program targeting young people and how this can change over time. Adopting an ethnographic approach, findings highlighted how safety and relational continuity was fostered via social networks, support, belonging, and external opportunities. Conversely, instability and discontinuity became an issue with staff departures and participants’ personal difficulties.

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