Networked inequality: The role of changes in network heterogeneity and network size in attitudes towards inequality

Existing research on attitudes towards inequality has predominantly focused on individual class or socioeconomic position, with little attention paid to the role of personal networks. The limited existing research has primarily focused on the influence of specific class ties, while overlooking a crucial dimension: network size. Moreover, the lack of quantitative data containing information about socioeconomic standing, network configuration and attitudes over time for a group of the same individuals has hindered the accurate testing of the influence of personal networks on attitudes towards inequality. To address these gaps, the main goal of this paper is to examine the extent to which changes in the size and heterogeneity of acquaintanceship networks affect attitudes towards inequality in Chile – a country with high levels of income and wealth inequality. We utilise quantitative data from two waves (2016–2018) of a representative panel survey for the urban Chilean population, provided by the Chilean Longitudinal Social Survey (ELSOC). Our cross-sectional analyses indicate that network heterogeneity and network size both enhance perceptions of income inequality and preferences for equality, while decreasing perceptions of meritocracy. In the fixed effects regression models, however, network size is more closely linked to an increased perception of inequality, while network heterogeneity is more strongly associated with greater preferences for equality. Moreover, increases in network size tend to reduce meritocratic perceptions. These findings suggest that network size and network heterogeneity are complementary network characteristics in explaining attitudes towards inequality. • The study examines how changes in the size and diversity of acquaintanceship networks shape attitudes toward inequality. • We apply the Network Scale-Up Method (NSUM) with varied social markers, including jobs, groups, and uncommon names. • Panel data from two waves (2016–2018) of an urban Chile survey let us examine changes within individuals over time. • Larger, more diverse networks are linked to greater recognition of inequality and stronger egalitarian preferences. • Network size shows broader, more consistent effects than network diversity, especially in fixed-effects models.