Social Networks and Urban Neighborhoods in New York City

Abstract

THIS ARTICLE INVESTIGATES the relationship between social networks and neighborhoods in New York City. It examines the consequences of connected or dispersed social‐network support for people of different incomes and races in New York, in terms of their views of their neighborhoods as desirable places to live. Using data from 7 937 New Yorkers studied by the City University of New York‐New York City Survey of 1988, it shows that: contrary to what some literature on social support might suggest, social networks that are neighborhoodoriented and localized networks benefit rich New Yorkers more than poor ones; wealthier and white New Yorkers like their neighborhoods better, regardless of the nature of their social networks; and native blacks, regardless of other factors, like their neighborhoods less. In a limited way, localized networks lead to an increased regard for one's neighborhood, but they cannot erase the negative effects of adverse social and economic conditions in many New York neighborhoods, [social networks, neighborhoods, social and economic conditions, social support]