Abstract:

The main purpose of this study is to analyze constituents of social network of white- collar middle class, which is formed by their intimate ties, as well as the extent to which such networks carries similarity for women and men in terms of social class, age and educational level. Data come from interviews conducted with 37females and 32 males living in a segregated residential area in Istanbul. Findings indicate that although constituents of social network are diversified, members of middle class establish social bonds with their immediate kin, yet extended kin do not take an important place in their social network. In addition, neighbors and co-workers represent a considerable proportion of their social bonds. Middle class pattern of social network carries a relatively intra-class character, and on the basis of age and education, established social bonds display a high degree of similarity. However, in terms of gender the degree of similarity shows some differences.

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