Bringing Strong Ties Back in Interpersonal Gateways to Political Information and Influence

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Abstract
With whom and how frequently do people discuss political matters? A theoretical model is formulated and tested using information on respondents' core social networks from the 1987 General Social Survey. The frequency of political discussions depends upon factors of demand (personal attributes) and supply (opportunities within social contexts). Educational attainment and age positively affect political discussion frequency, although indirectly through intervening political orientation and social contexts variables. Demand is positively related to political interest, strong party attachment, liberal views, and newspaper readership. The findings underscore the importance of including close relatives and friends (strong ties) in studying social contexts of political behavior. The opportunity structure (supply of potential discussants) is enhanced by the presence of a spouse and other adult household members, by being in the labor force, and by having close personal relationships with spatially proximate core associates.

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