ABSTRACT
In an earlier paper we explored the central role that social networks play in converting a critical mass of politically interested students into a vibrant student political world (Crossley and Ibrahim, 2012; see also Crossley, 2008). Interaction and the formation of ties between would-be student activists create a context in which political activity becomes possible, allowing students to realise their desire for engagement. Moreover, such networks recruit, drawing previously less interested students in, stimulating their political interest and further swelling the critical mass of actors involved in this emerging political world. In this chapter we extend our analysis by exploring the processes that shape
these networks. We ask how connections are formed and what makes connection more (and less) likely? Before we elaborate further we will briefly introduce our data and the network that we will analyse.
