Primary social networks in Canberra

Abstract

This study is an investigation of primary social networks of people in Canberra - that is, their collections of kin, neighbors, workmates, and other friends. The study sets out with certain expectations about the nature of primary social networks in a modern urban society, and the way in which networks vary between different social strata, age-groups, areas, etc., within such a society. The study delves deeply into a particular situation - Canberra - but it is looking ultimately to adding to our understanding of an aspect of societies generally. The study does have a subsidiary aim which is more immediately practical, however. Some variations in primary social networks may be the result of differences in neighborhood social composition, and this is a matter over which the planners of Canberra have had a very large measure of control; an attempt is made to evaluate their policies of mixing social classes in each neighborhood. Show more