Bounded Solidarity and Mobile Technology: The Decline of Core Networks in Kerala

• In Event: Between Technological Determinism and Social Shaping: Participation and Isolation in Governance

Abstract

With rapid developments in communication technology and the diffusion of wireless networking, mobiles have become a routine part of daily life throughout most of the world. Scholars were quick to respond with studies of how these new technologies shaped social interaction. Some emphasized their positive impacts, including arguments for the strengthening of close ties and developing weak ties, as well as other social changes implied by communication anytime/anywhere. Other scholars emphasized that mobile telephony has unintended consequences, or even negative effects on social relationships. This paper explores both network and usage effects stemming from the spread of mobile telephony, and addresses the debate from previous studies. It mainly examines whether the widespread adoption of mobile technology is associated with changes in core social networks over the main decade of mobile diffusion in India. Grounded in Ling’s bounded solidarity thesis, he suggests that mobile communication may reconfigure social bonds, leading to a focus on family and friends over workmates and acquaintances, as well as more local networks. This study analyzes three waves of data (2002-2013) from the south Indian state of Kerala, focusing on several aspects of core networks, in particular the number of ties, their relational composition, and location. Cross-tabulation, One-way ANOVA, multiple multivariate regressions are the main analytical strategies. The key findings are generally consistent with bounded solidarity: family ties increased at the expense of work ties, and there was a shift away from regional and international ties towards local relationships.

Authors

• Jiabin Fan, Louisiana State University

• Oliver Garretson, LSU Sociology

• Antony Palackal, University of Kerala, Kariyavattom Campus

• Paige Miller, University of Wisconsin, River Falls

• Wesley Shrum, Louisiana State University