Social Networks in Rural Situation: A Case Study in Mymensingh District of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study based on social networks has identified the socio-economic status of the respondents, their risk management strategies, size and density of the social networks of the actors, and the patterns of relations among social actors in the village Chargobodia of Mymensingh district. A snowball sampling technique was applied and data were collected from 35 respondents from the selected village through field survey using a pre-designed questionnaire, PRA and observation technique. The study indicated that social ties play an important role to manage risk, and the level of income; education and position in the society have great impact on social ties. The strategies used for risk management included communication with family members, neighbours, and friends for getting help, and use of other means such as money lender, NGOs etc. The actors having more ties had a better position in the society to manage any adverse situation. Some actors were in a large network but maintained close interaction with selected few for managing their risk. The group formation mainly depended on close relationship, reciprocity and mutual trust. Based on the findings suggestions have been made for taking sound policies, stronger institutions and better governance as the key tools for more effective poverty reduction and risk management in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Social network; risk management

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v9i1-2.9481

The Agriculturists 2011; 9(1&2): 73-81