Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2009, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (2): 131-146.

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An Exploration and Analysis of the SubGroup Structures Among RuralUrban Migrant Workers:Based on the Study of Social Support Networks

 YUE Zhong-Shan, DU Hai-Feng, LI Shu-Zhu,  Marcus W. Feldman   

  • Online:2009-03-20 Published:2009-03-20

Abstract:

Applying the NewmanGirvan algorithm to the data from “Shenzhen RuralUrban Migrants Survey” in 2005, this study identified the subgroups in the ruralurban migrant workers’ social support networks, analyzed their number, size, and cohesiveness, and discussed the roles of occupational ties, lood bonds and location bonds in these subgroups. The current study obtained the following findings: Ruralurban migrant worker’s social support networks were clearly characterized of their subgrouping; the cohesiveness of their social support networks varied by sex and occupations; there were significant differences in the cohesiveness between the tangible, the emotional, and the social networks; mixedsex networks showed lower cohesiveness than singlesex networks; manufacture workers’ groups varied more in cohesiveness, whereas construction workers commonly formed more coherent groups; occupational ties played an important role in bonding manufacture workers, whereas location was the major bond to connect construction workers although there were signs for the role of their occupational ties. 

Key words: rural-urban migrant workers, social group structure, social support network, sub-group