ISSN : 0023-3900
This study explores how the global trend toward networked individualism has been amplified in the Korean context by investigating changes in core discussion networks over the last 15 years. Secondary data from two national surveys are compared in regard to network structure and demographic variation. Koreans were more socially connected in 2011 than in 1996: the proportion of socially isolated people has decreased from 12.0% to 3.5%; and the mean size of core networks has increased from 2.7 to 3.1. This change is evident among the younger generations. The expansion of networks is attributed to the increased number of non-kin alters rather than kin ones, such as family members and relatives. Network density has increased despite the decreased proportion of kin. The effects of gender, age, and education on network attributes are subtle, inconsistent, or diminished.
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