The network analysis in Community WorkThe network analysis in Community Work Anna Krausova Anna Krausova

Department of Social WorkDepartment of Social Work

Medico-Social Faculty Medico-Social Faculty

University of OstravaUniversity of Ostrava

What is a network?

In literature various definitions of a network can be found. In literature various definitions of a network can be found. Often, it is described as a structure of relations and Often, it is described as a structure of relations and connections created by organizations due to the fact these connections created by organizations due to the fact these organizations are mutually dependent. A network can be organizations are mutually dependent. A network can be compared to a road or railway network. It contains various compared to a road or railway network. It contains various nodes {stations, cities, traffic centers} interconnected by nodes {stations, cities, traffic centers} interconnected by lines of communications.lines of communications.

These lines of communications can be used in various These lines of communications can be used in various ways, ranging from very intensively to very seldomly. ways, ranging from very intensively to very seldomly. Sometimes direct connections between certain nodes are Sometimes direct connections between certain nodes are missing. missing.

The nodes may be big and important, or on the contrary, The nodes may be big and important, or on the contrary, small and unimportant for the whole. Each point can be small and unimportant for the whole. Each point can be reached in various ways. In the theory of networks, the reached in various ways. In the theory of networks, the nodes are called “actors” {these are groups, nodes are called “actors” {these are groups, organizations, institutions and persons} and the lines oforganizations, institutions and persons} and the lines of

communication are called “relations”.communication are called “relations”.

Important characteristics of a network are:Autonomy: each actor is an independently acting person, organization or institutionHorizontal relations: a network is composed of horizontal connections. There is no central power that might control and dominate the whole. Since power relations are missing, processes of negotiation play important role.Various positions: position of the actors may vary greatly. Within the network, their influence may be more or less important. They may have less or more auxiliary resources {money, space, staff, information, contacts}. Their position within the network may be central {with many relations to other actors} or on the contrary, may be rather isolated.

Dependent: the actors are mutually dependent on each other {to different degrees} in the sense that they need each other to attain certain goals.

A network is dynamic. The character of the relations may change, new actors may appear and others disappear.

Transformable: a network can be made. If contacts do not exist, they can be established. Perhaps, some relations are not used for some time, but they may be established again when needed. Unnecessary relations

can be interrupted.

The basis principle of the network is that we do not hold The basis principle of the network is that we do not hold the individual actor as crucial, but the relations between the individual actor as crucial, but the relations between them. We do not concentrate on one person, group or them. We do not concentrate on one person, group or organization, but on all persons, groups and organization, but on all persons, groups and organizations mutually related to a certain goal or organizations mutually related to a certain goal or problem, and we examine the character of these problem, and we examine the character of these relations {do they counteract, collaborate or establish relations {do they counteract, collaborate or establish coalition}. “Networking” means using and influencing coalition}. “Networking” means using and influencing the relations between actors.the relations between actors.

Network typesNetwork typesIssue networks or strategic alliancesIssue networks or strategic alliances

These networks are mainly composed of organizations, These networks are mainly composed of organizations, institutions and groups which can be easily identified institutions and groups which can be easily identified and contacted. All actors of an issue network are in and contacted. All actors of an issue network are in some way or another concerned with a specific “issue”. some way or another concerned with a specific “issue”. An issue may be a problem, a need or an idea to be An issue may be a problem, a need or an idea to be solved or realized like stimulating school attendance. solved or realized like stimulating school attendance. Actors who may have a contribution in the realization of Actors who may have a contribution in the realization of that issue or whose collaboration is expected or who on that issue or whose collaboration is expected or who on the contrary might act negatively, may become visible in the contrary might act negatively, may become visible in a network drawing showing the mutual relations of the a network drawing showing the mutual relations of the actors. This information can be useful when formulating actors. This information can be useful when formulating a strategy for the problem solution.a strategy for the problem solution.

Organizational networksOrganizational networks

Also, in these networks are organizations, institutions Also, in these networks are organizations, institutions and formal groups. An organizational network is one of and formal groups. An organizational network is one of the possibilities to shape the interaction and the possibilities to shape the interaction and collaboration between actors. An organizational collaboration between actors. An organizational network can be defined as a co-operative or formalized network can be defined as a co-operative or formalized relationship between autonomous entities that are relationship between autonomous entities that are working towards a common goal, or whose individual working towards a common goal, or whose individual interests are better served within a collective structure. interests are better served within a collective structure. Here, the network can be regarded as a kind of Here, the network can be regarded as a kind of

organization.organization.

Networks are a favored organizational form wherever a broad Networks are a favored organizational form wherever a broad operational field is involved operational field is involved ((for example, where links are made for example, where links are made between grass roots and international levelsbetween grass roots and international levels), ), where problems or where problems or themes are so dynamic that rigid structures are not suitable, and themes are so dynamic that rigid structures are not suitable, and where loose ties are preferable to formal organizational bonds. In where loose ties are preferable to formal organizational bonds. In the field of community development, networks have proven to be the field of community development, networks have proven to be a useful way to bring about change.a useful way to bring about change.

Social networksSocial networksActors of social networks are persons and informal Actors of social networks are persons and informal groups. Examples of social networks are families, groups. Examples of social networks are families, neighborhoods, informal contacts between colleagues, neighborhoods, informal contacts between colleagues, visitors of a cultural centre or a church, parents of visitors of a cultural centre or a church, parents of children visiting a specific school. Social networks children visiting a specific school. Social networks fulfill an important role in the life of people and for the fulfill an important role in the life of people and for the functioning of the society.functioning of the society.

Support networksSupport networksThe actors in these networks are also persons and The actors in these networks are also persons and informal groups. Support networks are organized with a informal groups. Support networks are organized with a specific interaction. For instance, networks in the specific interaction. For instance, networks in the women’s movement, self-help groups or initiative women’s movement, self-help groups or initiative groups of different communities consulting each other. groups of different communities consulting each other. The first two types of networks are characterized by the The first two types of networks are characterized by the fact that they are constituted by formal organizations fact that they are constituted by formal organizations and in the second two types the actors are persons and and in the second two types the actors are persons and informal groups. Networks can also be sorted according informal groups. Networks can also be sorted according to others criteria, for instance according to extend of to others criteria, for instance according to extend of continuity and the scope of their goals. Issue networks continuity and the scope of their goals. Issue networks and support networks are developed and activated in and support networks are developed and activated in certain goal has to be reached. These networks are goal certain goal has to be reached. These networks are goal

oriented and have a temporary and flexible character.oriented and have a temporary and flexible character.

Dependent on the issue, relevant institutions and groups Dependent on the issue, relevant institutions and groups launch coalitions. After reaching the goal {for instance, launch coalitions. After reaching the goal {for instance, a medical centre is build in the community} or finishing a medical centre is build in the community} or finishing a joint activity or project {for instance, a summer camp a joint activity or project {for instance, a summer camp for children}, the participants return to their own for children}, the participants return to their own

matters.matters.

Network analysisNetwork analysisThe network analysis is a method used for developing a The network analysis is a method used for developing a strategy or plan. It is mainly used when tracing issuestrategy or plan. It is mainly used when tracing issuenetworks, but it is also appropriate for the research and networks, but it is also appropriate for the research and development of other types of networks. The premise is development of other types of networks. The premise is that you have a clear idea about the aim you want to that you have a clear idea about the aim you want to attain. Therefore, the starting point of the analysis is attain. Therefore, the starting point of the analysis is always the chosen issue. In this section we will focus on always the chosen issue. In this section we will focus on issue networks. issue networks. Actors may cluster around a specific issue. In this way, Actors may cluster around a specific issue. In this way, issue networks arise. Making a picture of these of these issue networks arise. Making a picture of these of these networks can help to analyze the situation, and based on networks can help to analyze the situation, and based on this analysis a strategy can emergence. this analysis a strategy can emergence.

In this strategy, you can use your knowledge about the In this strategy, you can use your knowledge about the involvement and possible influence of the different involvement and possible influence of the different actors in the issue of network, be it in favor or against actors in the issue of network, be it in favor or against your goal at particular moment. In strategic thinking, your goal at particular moment. In strategic thinking, this kind of knowledge is commonly used without this kind of knowledge is commonly used without making a network analysis, but then people often rely making a network analysis, but then people often rely only on intuition. The network analysis makes is only on intuition. The network analysis makes is possible to work more systematically. But the network possible to work more systematically. But the network analysis, you examine which actors analysis, you examine which actors ((groups, groups, organizations, institutions and personsorganizations, institutions and persons) ) play, or might play, or might

play a role in solution of a certain problem.play a role in solution of a certain problem.

By carrying out this analysis in systematic steps, you will By carrying out this analysis in systematic steps, you will have the possibility of:have the possibility of:- finding partners for collaboration- finding partners for collaboration- finding counteracting forces- finding counteracting forces- preventing work duplication - preventing work duplication ((when it becomes visible when it becomes visible that other persons or organizations are already that other persons or organizations are already working on specific issues working on specific issues))- formulating the strategy for attending your goal.- formulating the strategy for attending your goal.

It is important to realize this picture in always only a snapshot, a It is important to realize this picture in always only a snapshot, a registration of the moment. A network has a dynamic character: registration of the moment. A network has a dynamic character: new actor appears, old ones disappear, the attitude of actor and new actor appears, old ones disappear, the attitude of actor and their possibilities or readiness to act may change. Therefore, it is their possibilities or readiness to act may change. Therefore, it is necessary to check regularly if the shape of the network has since necessary to check regularly if the shape of the network has since changed.changed.

Steps of network analysisSteps of network analysis1 identify central actor1 identify central actor2 set the goal2 set the goal3 brainstorm about actors3 brainstorm about actors4 selection of actors:4 selection of actors:- significance- significance- is ready to act - is ready to act ((positively or negativelypositively or negatively))5 network mapping5 network mapping6 analysis6 analysis- problem definition- problem definition- interests- interests- resources- resources- influence/power- influence/power7 strategy7 strategy

Step 1: Defining the central actor (CA). This is a group, Step 1: Defining the central actor (CA). This is a group, organization, institution or person wanting to find an organization, institution or person wanting to find an approach for a specific issue. This central actor must be approach for a specific issue. This central actor must be defined carefully and precisely. First of all is necessary defined carefully and precisely. First of all is necessary that there is full agreement about the goal to attain. For that there is full agreement about the goal to attain. For instance the central actor cannot be an organization in instance the central actor cannot be an organization in which various counteracting parties have arisen in which various counteracting parties have arisen in connection with the issue. In such a case, it is better to connection with the issue. In such a case, it is better to define one of the parties as the central actor. The define one of the parties as the central actor. The starting point of the strategy is simply the goal this starting point of the strategy is simply the goal this central actor wants to reach.central actor wants to reach.

Step 2: Setting a clear and concrete description of the Step 2: Setting a clear and concrete description of the issue and goal. It is important to make a clear the issue and goal. It is important to make a clear the problem definition on which these are based, because problem definition on which these are based, because the way you look at a problem often shows specific the way you look at a problem often shows specific ways to the solution. Because other actors may have ways to the solution. Because other actors may have different definitions of the problem, our own clarity different definitions of the problem, our own clarity makes it possible to identify eventual discrepancies or makes it possible to identify eventual discrepancies or conflicts.conflicts.

Step 3: Brainstorm about the actors who are involved in Step 3: Brainstorm about the actors who are involved in this issue or may play a role in realizing the goal. It is this issue or may play a role in realizing the goal. It is important to find out all possible actors who might hive important to find out all possible actors who might hive a contribution. That is the intention of brainstorming. a contribution. That is the intention of brainstorming. Using a technique we avoid the danger of forgetting Using a technique we avoid the danger of forgetting important partners or actors inhibiting the fulfillment of important partners or actors inhibiting the fulfillment of the goal. The organization of some actors is so complex the goal. The organization of some actors is so complex that it is also important to analyze their inner structure. that it is also important to analyze their inner structure. For instance, a municipality will have a minorities For instance, a municipality will have a minorities department, a department for civic matters and an department, a department for civic matters and an information desk. Each department will follow its own information desk. Each department will follow its own policy and the approach of the various departments policy and the approach of the various departments towards the issue can be very different.towards the issue can be very different.

Step 4: Selection of relevant actors. You can now ask Step 4: Selection of relevant actors. You can now ask two questions concerning each of the actors found:two questions concerning each of the actors found:

- to what extent is this actor really important for - to what extent is this actor really important for reaching the goal reaching the goal ((significantsignificant)? )? - to what extent can it be expected that this actor - to what extent can it be expected that this actor will act and take specific steps supporting or will act and take specific steps supporting or counteracting the fulfillment of the goal counteracting the fulfillment of the goal ((ready ready

to act)? to act)?

Now, unimportant and non-acting actors may be Now, unimportant and non-acting actors may be skipped. Relevant are those actors that are really skipped. Relevant are those actors that are really significant and ready to act. You must pay attention to significant and ready to act. You must pay attention to them from the outset and start to work with them. Those them from the outset and start to work with them. Those actors that are significant but yet not willing to act, must actors that are significant but yet not willing to act, must be kept in the background. Perhaps they can play a role be kept in the background. Perhaps they can play a role later or should be informed earlier than later to prevent later or should be informed earlier than later to prevent any ill feeling and counteracting.any ill feeling and counteracting.

Step 5: Making a drawing of the network. You are now Step 5: Making a drawing of the network. You are now able to map the position and the mutual relations able to map the position and the mutual relations between the different actors and their relations with the between the different actors and their relations with the central actor. This can be carried out in different ways central actor. This can be carried out in different ways ((see for instance schemesee for instance scheme). ). This map serves as a visual This map serves as a visual aid to get an insight into the situation.aid to get an insight into the situation.

Step 6: Carrying out a deeper analyzing of each actor. For Step 6: Carrying out a deeper analyzing of each actor. For this analysis the following questions are important:this analysis the following questions are important:What is the problem definition of the actor in relation to What is the problem definition of the actor in relation to issue?issue?- Which interests does the actor have in the - Which interests does the actor have in the realisation/non-realisation of the goals of the central realisation/non-realisation of the goals of the central actor? actor?- Which resources - Which resources ((money, space, contacts, information, money, space, contacts, information, PR possibilities, expertise etc. PR possibilities, expertise etc.) ) does the actor have and does the actor have and which resources are needed by the central actor? which resources are needed by the central actor?- How much influence/power has the actor on the central - How much influence/power has the actor on the central and the other actors in the network? The direction and and the other actors in the network? The direction and the extent of the influence can be indicated by arrows the extent of the influence can be indicated by arrows and the thickness of these arrows in the network and the thickness of these arrows in the network drawing. drawing.

Step 7: Choice and development a strategy. Answers to Step 7: Choice and development a strategy. Answers to the questions above will make up an important part of the questions above will make up an important part of date needed for the development of the strategy to obtain date needed for the development of the strategy to obtain the goal of the central actor. Some extra information will the goal of the central actor. Some extra information will be needed concerning the environmental factors that be needed concerning the environmental factors that cannot be influenced directly but that may have a lot of cannot be influenced directly but that may have a lot of power power ((for instance, governmental policyfor instance, governmental policy). The ). The analysis analysis makes clear on which actors the strategy should focus makes clear on which actors the strategy should focus primarily and also who will support or counteract. The primarily and also who will support or counteract. The network drawing will also show the missing link, network drawing will also show the missing link, enabling you to see which relations must be developed enabling you to see which relations must be developed or strengthened and how best to execute this process. or strengthened and how best to execute this process. Sometimes, for instance, it’s advisable not to act directly Sometimes, for instance, it’s advisable not to act directly but to use a “roundabout:” approach. This means using but to use a “roundabout:” approach. This means using

one actor to make contact with another.one actor to make contact with another.

Social networks/social structuresSocial networks/social structuresThe actors in social networks are persons and The actors in social networks are persons and informal groups. Examples are family relations, informal groups. Examples are family relations, contact between neighbors, circles of friends, groups contact between neighbors, circles of friends, groups of colleagues, members of a football club, visitors of of colleagues, members of a football club, visitors of a church or mosque. Actors in these kind of networks a church or mosque. Actors in these kind of networks know each other. They exchange experiences and know each other. They exchange experiences and carry out joint activities. Social networks fulfill the carry out joint activities. Social networks fulfill the basic needs of social contact, belonging, material and basic needs of social contact, belonging, material and emotional support and appreciation. emotional support and appreciation.

Social networks are always face-to-face groups. Social networks are always face-to-face groups. Social networks have a rather permanent character. Social networks have a rather permanent character. Like organizational networks the structure may vary Like organizational networks the structure may vary from loose to very tight from loose to very tight ((a weekly choir forms a more a weekly choir forms a more loosely structured social network than a familyloosely structured social network than a family). ). The The intensity of participation by the different actors and intensity of participation by the different actors and their interest in this participation can also vary. their interest in this participation can also vary.

Social networks are not only important for the Social networks are not only important for the individual, they fulfill a basic task in the process of individual, they fulfill a basic task in the process of socialization needed for the smooth functioning of socialization needed for the smooth functioning of society. The cohesion of society is given by its common society. The cohesion of society is given by its common frame of reference, in a pattern of values and norm that frame of reference, in a pattern of values and norm that members of this society see as legitimate. In modern members of this society see as legitimate. In modern complex society, this common framework cannot complex society, this common framework cannot consist of very detailed rules since there are so many consist of very detailed rules since there are so many groups – each of which has its own culture and norms. groups – each of which has its own culture and norms. Our society is based on a certain amount of central Our society is based on a certain amount of central values, basically those that are formulated in the values, basically those that are formulated in the constitution: freedom of speech, the right of self-constitution: freedom of speech, the right of self-determination, equivalence, ban on discrimination and determination, equivalence, ban on discrimination and physical violence.physical violence.

People make themselves familiar with the values and norms in People make themselves familiar with the values and norms in their social networks. It is therefore important for a society to their social networks. It is therefore important for a society to use these networks. Examples can be found in the practice of use these networks. Examples can be found in the practice of influencing the public. If the state wants to change the attitude influencing the public. If the state wants to change the attitude and the behavior of its citizens and the behavior of its citizens ((for example, on the topics of for example, on the topics of smoking or environmental awarenesssmoking or environmental awareness), ), it has to reach out to it has to reach out to the social networks. Opinions are primarily formed within the social networks. Opinions are primarily formed within social networks and our behavior and choices are very much social networks and our behavior and choices are very much influenced by them. This fact is also very important for all influenced by them. This fact is also very important for all kinds of preventive, educational and information activities, kinds of preventive, educational and information activities, and for the whole process of community development. When and for the whole process of community development. When we want to establish contact with particular target groups to we want to establish contact with particular target groups to activate and motivate them, it is advisable to do this through activate and motivate them, it is advisable to do this through the social networks that are important for them.the social networks that are important for them.

Networks in the neighborhoodNetworks in the neighborhoodIn the past, people’s social contacts were mostly in In the past, people’s social contacts were mostly in the neighborhood in which they lived. Nowadays, the neighborhood in which they lived. Nowadays, many social networks exceed the borders of the many social networks exceed the borders of the neighborhood, the quarter, the tow and even the state. neighborhood, the quarter, the tow and even the state. People no longer live their whole life in one village or People no longer live their whole life in one village or neighborhood near to their family members, neighborhood near to their family members, colleagues and friends. It means that the function of colleagues and friends. It means that the function of networks in the neighborhood is less comprehensive networks in the neighborhood is less comprehensive that is used to be. that is used to be.

Their value for everyday life nevertheless remains Their value for everyday life nevertheless remains important for groups of inhabitants with lesser important for groups of inhabitants with lesser mobility (physical and economicalmobility (physical and economical) ) who are who are dependent on the neighborhood (the elderly, dependent on the neighborhood (the elderly, household wives and men, children, people with a household wives and men, children, people with a low income or disabled persons). This is also true for low income or disabled persons). This is also true for many Roma communities.many Roma communities.

Social networks in the neighborhood/community have a Social networks in the neighborhood/community have a lot of different functions for the people who live there, lot of different functions for the people who live there, such as:such as:- mutual help: tending coffee, daily care for children, - mutual help: tending coffee, daily care for children, shopping for the sick, translation of a letter shopping for the sick, translation of a letter- sociability- sociability- social control - social control ((can be positive: you feel jointly can be positive: you feel jointly responsible for a clean street; or more negative: a responsible for a clean street; or more negative: a certain way of life is imposed certain way of life is imposed))- exchange of information about all kinds of vital - exchange of information about all kinds of vital questions questions- identification with the neighborhood an from this, - identification with the neighborhood an from this, mobilization for actions and activities. mobilization for actions and activities.

The charakter The charakter and and intensity of these social intensity of these social can vary can vary greatly. A common characteristic is the avoidance of too greatly. A common characteristic is the avoidance of too much intimacy and conflicts. Many relations within a much intimacy and conflicts. Many relations within a neighborhood become more visible from the moment neighborhood become more visible from the moment when help or support is needed.when help or support is needed.

Social networks in neighborhoods are important for Social networks in neighborhoods are important for community for many reasons:community for many reasons:

They serve a reservoirs for mobilizing people to become They serve a reservoirs for mobilizing people to become involved in actions and activities. Word of mouth involved in actions and activities. Word of mouth promotion is still more effective than posters and promotion is still more effective than posters and pamphlets. If you know informal leaders in the pamphlets. If you know informal leaders in the neighborhood or community, you may involve them. If neighborhood or community, you may involve them. If you know the meeting places of the member of the you know the meeting places of the member of the target group you want to address, you can use them for target group you want to address, you can use them for the dissemination of information.the dissemination of information.

If you want to meet the interests of people, it is more If you want to meet the interests of people, it is more favorable to gain information from informal circuits favorable to gain information from informal circuits than to use more formal policy of an organization and than to use more formal policy of an organization and the ideas of the people it claims to represent.the ideas of the people it claims to represent.

Many people don’t want to become an active member of Many people don’t want to become an active member of a group or organization permanently, but they do wont a group or organization permanently, but they do wont to do something from time to time. It is important for to do something from time to time. It is important for know such peopleknow such peopleA social network can be made and influenced. Thus, it A social network can be made and influenced. Thus, it can be used as an instrument to stimulate specificcan be used as an instrument to stimulate specific

changes in the community.changes in the community.

Tracing social networks/structureTracing social networks/structure

Social networks cannot be found in a list of important Social networks cannot be found in a list of important institutions or organizations of the municipality. They institutions or organizations of the municipality. They have to be found by research. Social networks can be have to be found by research. Social networks can be traced by various methods:traced by various methods:

Making a social mapMaking a social mapBased on numerical information that can be obtained Based on numerical information that can be obtained from the municipality or other institutions, a social from the municipality or other institutions, a social map of a specific community or neighborhood can be map of a specific community or neighborhood can be created. Nowadays, a lot of data is connected with the created. Nowadays, a lot of data is connected with the post code. In this way, a global picture of people in a post code. In this way, a global picture of people in a geographic area can be acquired. geographic area can be acquired.

Put more precisely, “position groups” living in an area. Put more precisely, “position groups” living in an area. Position groups are groups that can be discriminated Position groups are groups that can be discriminated according to their position. This position is according to their position. This position is determinated by criteria such as social origin, age, sex, determinated by criteria such as social origin, age, sex, educational level, ethnicity, way of living etc. People educational level, ethnicity, way of living etc. People from the same position group may have identical from the same position group may have identical interests and mutual contacts. The target group we want interests and mutual contacts. The target group we want to contact, can be identified as a position group and can to contact, can be identified as a position group and can be indicated on the map by a certain color. The be indicated on the map by a certain color. The presupposition is that in localities where many members presupposition is that in localities where many members of a certain position group live side by side, there will of a certain position group live side by side, there will also exist social networks.also exist social networks.

Meeting placesMeeting placesAnother method is to trace the places where members of Another method is to trace the places where members of a certain target group meet. These places may be public a certain target group meet. These places may be public buildings buildings ((for instance, a school, church or mosque, for instance, a school, church or mosque, health centre or educational centre) as well as informal health centre or educational centre) as well as informal meeting places meeting places ((coffee house, pub, club room or cultural coffee house, pub, club room or cultural centre) and outdoor places such as a square, a corner of centre) and outdoor places such as a square, a corner of the street or a park.the street or a park.

Key personsKey personsAnother way to gain information about social networks Another way to gain information about social networks is to assess informal leaders and key figures. Two is to assess informal leaders and key figures. Two methods can be used. The position method: looking for methods can be used. The position method: looking for people about whom you assume, on the basis of their people about whom you assume, on the basis of their position, fulfill a leading role in their community position, fulfill a leading role in their community (people who are active in the trade unions, political (people who are active in the trade unions, political parties or other organizationsparties or other organizations)). Using the so called . Using the so called reputation method, you ask random members of the reputation method, you ask random members of the relevant target group who are their informal leaders. relevant target group who are their informal leaders. You will find that certain people are mentioned time You will find that certain people are mentioned time and again. Such people know must about the target and again. Such people know must about the target group and the mutual relations.group and the mutual relations.

SociogramSociogramWhen working on a lesser scale, you can use the When working on a lesser scale, you can use the sociogram method. This method involves asking the sociogram method. This method involves asking the target group with whom they have contacts. This target group with whom they have contacts. This method is used for instance in elementary schools when method is used for instance in elementary schools when allocating pupils into classes. allocating pupils into classes. All children are asked the question whom they would All children are asked the question whom they would invite for their birthday party. The answers can provide invite for their birthday party. The answers can provide information about various social networks.information about various social networks.

ObservationObservationThe research can also be carried out through the method The research can also be carried out through the method of “participated observation”. Through participation in of “participated observation”. Through participation in various activities and in everyday life of the target various activities and in everyday life of the target group, you can find out the structure of their contacts.group, you can find out the structure of their contacts.

Means of communicationMeans of communicationAnother method is to assess the ways in which a group Another method is to assess the ways in which a group communicates with each other, other than by direct communicates with each other, other than by direct verbal contact. For example, journals, daily papers, verbal contact. For example, journals, daily papers, local TV broadcasting, internet, websites, club local TV broadcasting, internet, websites, club newsletters, special broadcast transmissions, appeals in newsletters, special broadcast transmissions, appeals in promotional journals and posters. In this way, you also promotional journals and posters. In this way, you also find out about places where members of the target group find out about places where members of the target group meet. meet. Tracing social networks and establishing contacts is an Tracing social networks and establishing contacts is an intensive and time consuming activity. Be aware of this intensive and time consuming activity. Be aware of this importance and keep your eyes and ears open. importance and keep your eyes and ears open. Surprisingly, many things will be known to you Surprisingly, many things will be known to you beforehand. Looking, listening and asking questions beforehand. Looking, listening and asking questions will give you a lot of information about social networks.will give you a lot of information about social networks.

Social networks have their own dynamics and basically Social networks have their own dynamics and basically develop without external interference. In this aspect, develop without external interference. In this aspect, they differ from the three other types of networks. they differ from the three other types of networks. People establish mutual contacts and meet in very People establish mutual contacts and meet in very different situations: at work, in their neighborhood, in different situations: at work, in their neighborhood, in free time activities, during education, or political free time activities, during education, or political activities. From there new contacts and new social activities. From there new contacts and new social networks come to being. But you may take initiatives to networks come to being. But you may take initiatives to stimulate specific social networks, for instance by stimulate specific social networks, for instance by organizing social activities, serving to meet other organizing social activities, serving to meet other people. Co-operating in task groups and in self-people. Co-operating in task groups and in self-organized community groups will also increase the organized community groups will also increase the

scope, intensity and complexity of social structure.scope, intensity and complexity of social structure.

The following five factors stimulate accidental and The following five factors stimulate accidental and loose contacts to develop into more permanent social loose contacts to develop into more permanent social networks:networks:- by doing the same activities or common execution of - by doing the same activities or common execution of

activities activities ((this factor appears to have the most this factor appears to have the most influence influence))- - the degrese of the degrese of homogenity within a particular homogenity within a particular category of people category of people- - the degrese of dependence on the the degrese of dependence on the situation situation ((if people if people cannot go away, it becomes more important to make cannot go away, it becomes more important to make contact with others contact with others))- - the the image of the community or neighborhoodimage of the community or neighborhood the the extent to which common activities are stimulated extent to which common activities are stimulated wittingly wittingly

When one or more of these five factors changes, the When one or more of these five factors changes, the informal circuit will be strengthen or weakened. informal circuit will be strengthen or weakened.

Schuringa, L. “Community work and Roma Schuringa, L. “Community work and Roma inclusion”, Utrecht: Spolu International Foundation, inclusion”, Utrecht: Spolu International Foundation,

2005 p 130 – 1392005 p 130 – 139

Thank you for your attention :oThank you for your attention :o))