ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates some issues which can be defined as coming under ‘the social networks’ approach, which is composed of both a general paradigm and various kinds of methodologies. It focuses on a small range of such interdependencies because the few available surveys that provide information on the relational environment of actors describe specific links and limited features of personal networks. Personal networks are complex worlds, and they allow various – sometime contradictory – forms of social conduct because the contexts of relations are segmented and their content differentiated. Each segment exerts normative pressure over the partners. Interpersonal knowledge and control are affected by what happens within these networks of confidants. The comparison also shows that behaviour varies depending on whether or not one knows people with HIV/AIDS. Finally, the various circles of relatives, colleagues and friends exert different normative influences and exercise different social controls over individual attitudes and behaviour.
