Combining social network analysis and geographic information system for communication research: an application to immigrant communities

Social Network Analysis and Geographic Information Systems can be combined and applied to communication research to better understand how communication networks are associated with spatial or city characteristics. We use a case study of communication networks of immigrant church members (N = 178) in New Jersey to test theories of spatial versus strategic assimilation, visualize social networks, and city racial composition. The findings demonstrate that church members seeking information from coethnic immigrant networks were more likely to live in cities with a concentration of white residents, whereas members who provided more informational support to other members were less likely to live in whiter areas. Thus, coethnic residential choice may not always be linked to immigrant network use and the case applies more to the pattern of strategic assimilation. Future communication research involving questions related to physical locations and space can benefit from combining Social Network Analysis and Geographic Information System techniques in innovative ways.

Automated summary

Social Network Analysis and Geographic Information Systems can be combined and applied in communication research to gain a better understanding of the relationship between communication networks and spatial or city characteristics. By studying the communication networks of immigrant church members, it was found that members seeking information from coethnic immigrant networks were more likely to live in cities with a concentration of white residents, while members who provided more informational support to others were less likely to live in such areas. Thus, coethnic residential choice may not always be linked with immigrant network use and strategic assimilation patterns apply more. Future communication research that involves physical locations and space can benefit from the innovative combination of Social Network Analysis and Geographic Information System techniques.