A Study on the Types of Social Networks and Influential Factors of Women in Shanghai's Migrant Population--Social Network Theory Perspective

Abstract: Female migrants face a double vulnerability due to their urban/rural status and gender, making it challenging for them to integrate into their new communities. Women in the migrant population are doubly disadvantaged in terms of both urban-rural and gender-based social categorization. This group faces difficulties integrating into the community, including limited social resources, cultural activities, and social support. This paper examines the social networks of female migrants in Shanghai, using social network theory as the framework and data collected from semi-structured interviews. The study explores the types and characteristics of their social networks and how strong and weak ties affect their community integration. The findings indicate that strong ties dominate the social networks of migrant women in Shanghai. However, the absence of weak ties, which are crucial for accessing new information, resources, and opportunities, hinders their integration into the community.