Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community
Published on: May 31, 2019
Friendship networks and the social structure of opportunities for contact and interaction
1Akademischer Oberrat, Max-Weber-Institute of Sociology, Heidelberg University, Bergheimer Straße 58, D 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
This paper explores the Partnermarktsurvey to analyze how the size and composition of individuals' friendship networks are associated with the opportunities for contact and interaction provided by individuals' immediate social environment. The size and composition of individuals' social environment are strongly reflected in the size and composition of their network of friends. Several properties of an individual's foci of activity help to transform mere contacts into opportunities for interaction. The paper suggests to combine macro-structural theory with micro-sociological theories about action and social capital.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship Formation
Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity
Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory
Friendships and Close Friendships
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison

