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Targeting Social Support: A Network Assessment of the Convoy Model of Social Support

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 March 2010

Valerie A. Haines  and
Linda J. Henderson
Valerie A. Haines*
Affiliation:
University of Calgary
Linda J. Henderson
Affiliation:
University of Calgary
*
Requests, etc., Valerie A. Haines, Department of Sociology, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4. Email: haines@ucalgary.ca
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Abstract

One of the most influential applications of the concepts, methods and measures of social network analysis to the study of the social support transactions of older adults is the convoy model of social support. We draw on recent debates in network methodology to provide an assessment of the convoy model that explores the role of weak ties in the support networks of older adults. The social networks generated by the target diagram which operationalizes the convoy model display the structural and functional characteristics set out in its theoretical arguments. But not all of the ties constituting these networks are conduits of social support and, more importantly, these social networks do not include all supporting and supported others. The target diagram identifies core support networks; therefore, support flowing through weak ties is missed when it is used to set the boundaries of support networks. Expanding our picture of the support networks of older adults to take systematic account of weak ties and the emotional aid, instrumental assistance, and companionship that flow through them will enhance the effectiveness of support interventions that target older adults.

Résumé

Une des applications les plus signifiantes des concepts, des méthodes et des mesures de l'analyse du réseau social à l'étude des transactions de soutien social sur les aîné(e)s repose sur le modèle de convoi du soutien social. Nous avons examiné des bases de données récentes en méthodologie de réseau et tenté de présenter une évaluation du modèle de convoi qui explore le rôle des maillons faibles des réseaux de soutien des aîné(e)s. Les réseaux sociaux engendrés par le diagramme des objectifs qui régit le modèle de convoi exposent les caractéristiques structurelles et fonctionnelles constituant les arguments théoriques. Mais ce ne sont pas tous les maillons des réseaux qui constituent des canaux de soutien social et, dans une mesure plus importante encore, les réseaux sociaux n'incluent pas tous les intervenant(e)s, aidant(e)s et aidés. Le diagramme des objectifs présente les réseaux de soutient principaux; par conséquent, l'appui qui se transmet par des maillons faibles n'est pas pris en compte dans sa fonction délimitante des réseaux de soutien. Si nous agrandissons l'angle du tableau des réseaux de soutien des aîné(e)s pour prendre systématiquement en compte les maillons faibles et l'aide émotive, l'assistance déterminante et la camaraderie qui s'y rattachent, nous obtenons une image renforcée de l'efficacité des interventions d'appui au aîné(e)s.

Keywords

Convoy ModelSocial SupportSocial NetworksWeak TiesModèle du convoisoutien socialréseaux sociauxmaillons faibles
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 21 , Issue 2 , Summer/Été 2002 , pp. 243 - 256
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2002

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Footnotes

*Names are listed alphabetically. We would like to thank Patricia McBride for her participation in the design and data collection phases of this research and three anonymous reviewers for helpful comments. This research was supported by a grant from The University of Calgary awarded to Valerie Haines.

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