Voluntary Associations and Social Network Structure: Why Organizational Location and Type Are Important

Abstract

Are voluntary associations integrative forces in our society because they promote diverse social ties, or do they primarily promote ties between socially similar people? The answer depends on the location and type of the organization. Neighborhood organizations reinforce network density and homogeneity, whereas more distant organizations enhance network diversity. In contrast to instrumental organizations, expressive organizations increase network density and homogeneity. When organizational location and type are taken into account, the influence of membership on network diversity does not vary by gender. Neighborhood racial composition does not moderate the relationship between membership in neighborhood organizations and network racial diversity.