Size and socio-economic resources of core discussion networks in the Netherlands: differences by national-origin group and immigrant generation

Abstract

This study examines differences in the size and socio-economic resources of core discussion networks across national-origin groups and immigrant generation. The analysis is based on the Netherlands Longitudinal Lifecourse Study (2008–10), a nationally representative, large-scale survey of the Dutch population that contains an over-sample of first- and second-generation immigrants from Turkey and Morocco, the two largest non-western immigrant groups in the Netherlands. Results show that Dutch majority members have larger and more resourceful core discussion networks than Turks and Moroccans. Second-generation immigrants from Turkey and Morocco have larger core discussion networks than their foreign-born parents. However, there is no clear evidence for intergenerational increase in resources. The larger and more resourceful core discussion networks of the Dutch are partly attributable to the Dutch being higher educated and employed more often.

Keywords:

• core discussion networks
• strong ties
• personal networks
• social capital
• immigrants
• generation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Frank van Tubergen

FRANK VAN TUBERGEN is Professor in the Department of Sociology and the Department of Migration and Ethnic Relations at Utrecht University.