Communication Resources That Connect: A Network Approach to Understanding the Relationship Between Urban Neighborhood and Residents

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Interactive Paper Session on the Conference Theme

Abstract

Much scholarship has stressed the importance of a spatial perspective in understanding people’s social relations. Based on Communication Infrastructure Theory, this study demonstrated the effect of 1) individual characteristics, 2) demographic and socioeconomic homophily, 3) spatial proximity, and 4) connecting to an integrated neighborhood storytelling network on their interconnectedness through connections to local institutional and organizational communication resources. Results from this study opened opportunities for future exploration of the dynamics between space and social relations in community research.

Author

• Nan Zhao, U of Southern California - Annenberg School for Communication