SOCIAL NETWORKS AND TRANSNATIONAL SOCIAL FIELDS: A REVIEW OF QUANTITATIVE AND MIXED-METHODS APPROACHES

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Migration Studies
• Social Network Analysis

Background:

• Scholars define transnationalism through migrant-created social fields connecting origin and destination areas.
• Quantitative and mixed-methods social network research in transnationalism was historically rare but has increased significantly in the last decade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the growing body of literature on migrants' transnational social networks.
• To classify existing research into four distinct methodological approaches: individual, household, dyad/small set, and community.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and systematic evaluation of research on transnational social networks.
• Classification of studies based on their methodological approach (individual, household, dyad/small set, community).
• Analysis of the contributions, strengths, and limitations of each approach.

Main Results:

• The literature on transnational social networks has diversified, employing multiple methodologies.
• Four main approaches to studying transnational networks have been identified: individual, household, dyad/small set, and community.
• Each approach offers distinct insights into the functioning of immigrant networks but also has specific limitations.

Conclusions:

• A systematic review reveals a growing and methodologically diverse body of research on transnational social networks.
• Understanding the strengths and limitations of different approaches is crucial for advancing the field.
• Future research should build upon these insights to further explore the complexities of immigrant transnationalism.