The social networks of elderly immigrants: An analytic typology

A study of 259 elderly Russian Jewish immigrants in Israel distinguished four different social network types by means of cluster analysis of the structural and interactional characteristics of their networks. The derived network types are termed (1) the kin network, (2) the family intensive network, (3) the friend focused network, and (4) the diffuse tie network. Analysis also confirmed that these network types are not artifacts of sociodemographic differences among respondents. The typology significantly distinguished between levels of perceived available social support, as reported by respondents on four separate measures: emotional, instrumental, and affirmational support, and advocacy assistance.