Network Brokerage and Self-Rated Popularity Among Lao School-Based Children: Findings From Primary Survey Data

Abstract

This study examines whether and how an individual’s subjective, or self-rated, popularity is related to one’s structural position in the peer network, as measured by betweenness centrality and structural hole measure. Data were drawn from the original fieldwork conducted in Laos ( N = 1,490; boys = 40%; Mage = 13), a low-income country in Southeast Asia. Using friendship nominations, we constructed a global network matrix based on which sociometric variables were calculated. Findings from hierarchical linear models showed that net of sociometric and other controls, network brokers—those who span more structural holes or bridge across more disconnected dyads pairs—indeed perceive themselves as being “more popular.” Subjective, net of objective, measure of popularity should be incorporated as a critical component in the lives of young people.