Studied relative importance of family, friends, neighbors, and others in support networks of elderly persons. Data from interviews with 1,284 elderly respondents in Winnipeg, Manitoba offer limited support for hierarchical compensatory model which contends that kin, particularly spouse and children, are of primary importance, followed by friends,…

Examined positive and negative aspects of relations with friends and family among widows in focus-group discussions. Coded relationships mentioned as positive or negative. Approximately 40 percent of mentions were negative, with family members receiving more negative mentions. Non-family relations showed flexibility, with increases in positive…

Describes networking from the perspective of rural women in the Pacific Islands. Distinguishes between a network and an organization. (JOW)

Argues that there are severe and insurmountable problems in attempting to maintain a systemic perspective in family therapy. Advocates decentering family therapy to a more peripheral space within social network perspective. (Author/NB)

Presents results of a study which observed one social network of Mexican immigrant families during several years. Considers how Spanish and English literacy are used in their lives. States that, although many of these adults have limited literacy skills resulting from lack of formal education, they still manage a variety of literacy practices that…

Examines demographic networks of age and educational attainment for pairs of persons involved in close interpersonal relationships. Suggests that high network density in a social network can predict organizational niches--opportunities for organizational recruitment and resources for organizational survival. Contains 35 references. (SV)

Describes the growth of Indian social organizations in Phoenix (Arizona). With changes in federal policy and the increasingly uncertain role of Arizona's Commission on Indian Affairs, these institutions take on growing social and political importance, as such organizations have done for other ethnic groups. (DM)

Survey data collected from 166 homeless persons in Austin (Texas) identified four clusters distinguished by the size of the individual's social network, the degree of dysfunction, and the length of time homeless. Recommends group-based plans for building better paths out of homelessness. (DM)

Explores the hypothesis that network-interaction patterns affect employee perceptions through two conceptually and empirically distinguishable mechanisms: localized social influence based on network proximity and system power based on network centrality. Both advice-network centrality and friendship-network proximity evidenced significant effects,…

Investigated the nature and extent of Illinois school psychologists' networking activities and the relationship between such activities and job satisfaction. The results suggest that Illinois school psychologists are satisfied overall with their jobs and spend a considerable amount of time engaging in networking and leadership activities involving…

In conceptual framework of suicide process, reviews literature on life events and social support in suicide. Concludes that life events play important role in suicide process as risk and precipitating factors and that findings on disintegration of social networks and poor social support indicate lack of protective factors. Discusses implications…

Presents a variationist study in the speech of bilingual Cajuns in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Results show a complex interrelationship of age, gender, and social network. One major finding was a v-shaped age pattern (the young show a level of usage closer to the older generation) rather than the generational model that is expected. (Author/VWL)

Contributes to scholarship on social studies of computer mediated communication phenomena, technological change, and sociopsychological analysis of nationhood. Investigates the Argentine mailing list (a national virtual community of Argentines living abroad). Argues that a mutual-shaping perspective best captures the complexity, unpredictability,…

A study of 170 older adults in Israel found that physical disability was a primary predictor of well-being. The social network aspect of activity made a difference in older persons' subjective well-being, rather than the effect of the activity. (Contains 62 references.) (JOW)

Develops a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of urban, low-income, multicultural communities. Outlines a neighborhood network that focuses on the developmental needs of youth, engages residents, and promotes interdisciplinary services. Examines one school of social work's efforts to help a neighborhood develop such a network. (RJM)