Shared Ethnicity and Relationship Multiplexity within the Informal Networks of Retired European American Sunbelt Migrants

Abstract

In this article, the authors explore the impact of shared ethnicity and chain migration on the structure of relationships within the informal networks of elderly European Americans who migrated to a Florida retirement location. Data were collected through structured interviews with a probability sample of retired migrants. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to assess the impact of characteristics of elders and of network members on relationship multiplexity, a concept developed by network theorists to describe the content of relationships. The conceptualization of multiplexity in this article combines information on type and direction of activity reported by the elderly respondents with respect to each member of their network. Friendships involving shared ethnic background between the elder and network member occupied an intermediate position between kin relations and other friendships, a pattern that remained when “back home” location was controlled for.