eprintid: 4240
rev_number: 4
eprint_status: archive
userid: 1
dir: disk0/00/00/42/40
datestamp: 2023-07-13 08:58:28
lastmod: 2023-07-13 08:58:28
status_changed: 2023-07-13 08:58:28
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 1
creators_name: Palermo, Ilaria
creators_id: S4074955
creators_email: i.palermo@student.rug.nl
title: Friends at a distance. A qualitative analysis of the everyday geographies of stretched out ego-networks.
ispublished: unpub
full_text_status: public
abstract: This study examines the relationship between geographic proximity and emotional closeness in friendship networks, challenging Tobler's first Law of Geography (1970) and Cronin's (2016) findings on distant emotional proximity. The research reveals that despite limited communication and visits, geographically distant friends can be emotionally proximate. Strong ties, defined as close friends (Granotter, 1973; Bellotti, 2008), play a crucial role in determining emotional and imaginative closeness, transcending physical distance. Participants often referred to non-geographically close friends when discussing their close friendships. Communication with distant friends varied, but interestingly, most respondents had at least one long-distance tie they spoke to weekly. Seeking emotional support primarily from geographically close ties or romantic partners was preferred, likely due to convenience. Relocation decisions can be influenced by friends' locations, yet participants showed concerns about relocating again, considering the challenges of rebuilding a geographically close network. This research serves as a valuable starting point, highlighting the need for further exploration in this area.
date: 2023
pages: 29
thesis_type: bachelor
degree_programme: SGP
tutors_name: Vos, D.
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Basiseenheid Culturele Geografie
tutors_email: D.Vos@rug.nl
security: public
keywords_local: ego-networks
keywords_local: friends
keywords_local: distance
keywords_local: qualitative
keywords_local: networks
keywords_local: friendship
language_iso: en
date_issued: 2023-07-11
citation:   Palermo, Ilaria  (2023) Friends at a distance. A qualitative analysis of the everyday geographies of stretched out ego-networks.  Bachelor thesis.   
document_url: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4240/1/FINAL_Ilaria.pdf