Mapping Social Networks to

Address Family Planning Use

Global Health Mini-University 2014

GOAL: Reduce unmet need for family planning in intervention areas (2 health zones of Couffo, Benin)

RESEARCH TO: • Develop and test social

network interventions to overcome socio-cultural barriers to family planning use

• Understand the dynamic nature of unmet need

PARTNERS: • Institute for Reproductive

Health • CARE• Plan International

TÉKPONON JIKUAGOU

• Social Network: « … a group of social entities, whether individuals or organizations, linked together through social interactions.>>

• Focuses on relationships, not individuals

• Based on empirical evidence that highly interconnected, centrally located individuals adopt innovations more quickly

SOCIAL NETWORK APPROACH

WHY A SOCIAL NETWORK APPROACH?• Research shows social barriers are principal

factors contributing to unmet need for FP: Partner/community disapprovalLack of communication about FPMisconceptions about FP methods

• Individuals interact with, learn from, and get information from others

Therefore, social networks can influence and support diffusion of

information and new ideas about FP

SOCIAL NETWORKS INFLUENCE DIFFUSION THROUGH….

Social Learning

Members of a network exchange ideas and information; they evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of an innovation

Social Influence

Members of a network serve as “guardians” of social norms in order to gain approval and avoid conflict

Connectors have the shortest path to others. hey are gatekeepers,

brokers, control the flow, liaise between cliques.

Influencers are the most nominated individuals in a

network. They have direct influence on

more people.

CONNECTORS & INFLUENCERS

Classic Network Mapping – Data Collection

Identify each person in the village, who they link with, and who they influence

Isolate

Women

MenPeople whe were mentioned

Size of the square = Influence

Influencer

Connecter

Analyzed with Unicet software

• To understand connections and village social dynamics

• To identify influencers and connectors with whom to work

Generate a Social Network Map

• Participatory mapping of key social organizations and community resources and identification and ranking of influential groups and individuals

• Mapping activities and analysis designed to ensure multiple social perspectives:

• women• men• youth • socially marginalized

COMMUNITY SOCIAL MAPPING – DATA COLLECTION

Generate qualitative socially-focused information to:

• learn about groups and formal and informal leaders

• gain understanding of the social organization of a community

• help outsiders understand which groups and individuals are well-connected and respected and influence the spread of ideas and attitudes

• Guide decisions about which groups and people to work with

Community social mapping provides a practical translation of classic social network mapping

SOCIAL NETWORKS influential social groups

OPINION LEADERS Influential People

CONNECTORS & INFLUENCERS Among influential people and groups identified

Need for practical tool to rapidly identify influential groups and individuals for social network-based

approaches!

• Meetings with local authorities to introduce project and initial participation

• Preparations for mapping activities

Step 1: Community Introduction

Step 2: Community identification of potential

influential groups using matrix ranking techniques

1. Name2. Type of activities3. Sex4. Age range 5. Size 6. Meeting

frequency 7. Links with others8. Influence

Staff review matrix rankings to select potential women’s, men’s, and mixed sex groups for engagement with TJ

Influence

Connectivity

Meeting Frequenc

ySize Age

Range

Step 3: Selection of groups with diffusion-potential based on

community analysis

• Learn about a community’s social dynamics and organization

• Identify socially-influential people, particularly in areas of health and social well-being

Step 4: Community development of a social map and listing of influential individuals

Staff meet with selected groups and influentials

• Assess FP attitudes using a series of questions

• Confirm their influence in the community through participatory Venn diagramming

• Ascertain interest in working on issues of unmet need and family planning – and with TJ Project

G₂

G₃G₁

GV

G1: Information exchange within group. G2: Some shared decision-making G3: Strong shared decision-making  

Step 5: Validation

ADD DIVIDING SLIDE: METHODS

SOCIAL NETWORK VS.COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION APPROACHES

Social network – Groups and

reflective dialogue

Other social mobilization approaches

1. Work with a few strategically selected groups (3/village)

2. The group animater (catalyser) chosen by members

3. Focus on reflective dialogue, with expectation of outward diffusion of focus themes

4. Project follows rhythm of group schedule

1. Groups often established by project and often only target women

2. Choice of groups and discussion leaders not linked to their social network potential

3. Focus on subject (messages), with expectation of individual-level change only

4.Groups follow schedule established by project

COMPARISON: GROUPS

APPROACH: INDIVIDUALS

Social network – Influential

individuals and commitments to

action

Other FP social mobilization approaches

1.Work with a few (about 5 per village) influential individuals identified by community (formal and non-formal)

2. Allow persons to identify their own actions and commitments to address issues related to unmet need for FP

1. Influential leaders identified by the project (often formal leaders)

2.Leaders expect support and project coodination in the community.

CONCLUSION: SERVICES

Social network – network

connections to FP services

Other FP social mobilization approaches

• Seeks to connect CHWs with FP knowledge to groups

• Aim to create personal relationships with influential groups to encourage diffusion and provide accurate FP information

• Often focus on home visits and broad community sensitization

• Aim to encourage extension of information and services to other communities

LEARN MORE & DOWNLOAD www.irh.org/projects/tekponon_jikuagou/

Baseline formative research Guide to Community Mapping

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