Egocentric network size, network heterogeneity and social integration in Hungary

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, our aim is to describe the relevant problems and literature of the relationship between size and heterogeneity of the ego network and social integration. Moreover, as the first step of a subsequent, more detailed research, we wish to give an illustrative analysis about this relationship, using nationally representative databases from Hungary. On the one hand, we define social integration as cooperative behaviour of individuals and as solidarity between them. On the other hand, social disintegration is characterized with low levels of generalized and institutional trust, lack of solidarity and lack of norm conformity. At the individual level, integration can be defined as subjective integration, whereas disintegration is perceived as social exclusion from society. Our results show that the size and heterogeneity of the egocentric network associated positively with external (objective) indicators of social integration (participation, trust), while the correlation between these variables and subjective integration is less clear and has an opposite direction or there is no correlation at all. These results confirm that our research questions deserve further, more detailed analysis. Keywords: egocentric network, social integration, trust, participation