Do Social Networks Matter in Gaining Access to Goods and Services Obtained from Outside Markets?

The access to the three sources of welfare markets, State and sociability, depends on social contacts and may be influenced by the different configurations of social networks of the individuals. In this chapter, the author uses the information collated from in-depth interviews conducted with 20 interviewees from the original pool, and covering a range of types of network and sociability. The results reveal the existence of patterns of network mobilization in the act of obtaining social assistance. He discusses the types of social assistances provided by and to individuals, with special reference to personal networks. The core elements involved in these assistance relations, namely: exchange, trust, reciprocity and intimacy. As suggested by the classic contribution of Homans social behavior is exchange' certainly involving only intentionality. Social exchange theory in sociology has already stated the role of norms in the enforcement of reciprocity and the production of trust and social solidarity.