Relationships between the Social Networks of Swedish Mothers and Their Children

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Abstract
In a sample of seventy-two Swedish mothers and their children, significant relationships between characteristics of mothers' social networks and those of their children were found. The nature and strength of the relationship varied with the marital status of the mother and the sex of the child. The greatest similarity, or isomorphism, was found between the networks of married mothers and their daughters. The greatest dissimilarity was found between single mothers and their sons. The findings suggest that the nature and degree of mothers' involvement in their own networks of support and exchange may have both facilitative and inhibitive influences on the social relations of their children. Processes suggested by the data by which mothers' network involvement may influence their children's networks include modelling, teaching, sanctioning, providing opportunities, and providing a secure base.

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