ON THE IMPORTANCE OF MARGINALITY: ONE MORE STEP INTO THE TWO-STEP FLOW OF COMMUNICATION.

SOCIAL marginality; SOCIAL networks; NETWORK analysis (Communication); SOCIAL theory; SOCIAL network analysis; SOCIOLOGY

This study applies cross-level network analysis to modify the Two-Step Model of communication flow, focusing on marginally positioned individuals and pointing out the "bridging function" of marginals in the flow of information between groups. The hypotheses examined derive from the concepts of the Balance Theory, applied to network analysis, suggesting that the "Strength of Weak Ties" and the related tendency toward intransivity are the structural advantages of marginals in the process of communication flow. By and large, the findings support the claimed importance of marginals, suggesting the ability of network analysis to provide a micro-macro bridge in current sociological theory and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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