Weak Tie/Strong Tie Network Support

Mark Granovetter first published an article on weak-tie network theory, and it has been a useful framework for scholars in terms of understanding various characteristics of interpersonal relationship behaviors based on the tie strength connecting two of more members of a social network. This theory posits that the spread of social support is dependent upon the structure of social networks and communication patterns among individuals within these networks. Granovetter posited the relative strength of a relationship between two individuals could be determined as strong, weak, or absent through the measure of four variables: time spent together, the emotional intensity they share, the intimacy present between the two, and the mutual service (often in the form of providing reciprocal support) they provide each other.

Strong-tie relationships are ...