Article

How many people do we know?

Miranda Jessica Lubbers, José Luis Molina and Hugo Valenzuela, (Investigation Group GRAFO, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona); Adaptation: Xavier Aguilar

Each Spanish citizen knows (on average) 536 people, although the breadth of this social circle can vary widely between individuals. The research presented in this article shows that factors such as age, gender, education and income level influence the number of people with whom we have regular dealings. Furthermore, it analyses to what point having more or fewer acquaintances can predispose people to receiving types of support that we usually relate with closest friendships.
Key points
  • 1
       The circle of family members and close friends consists of some 23 people. That of acquaintances, despite being traditionally less valued, also has the capacity to offer emotional and economic support.
  • 2
       The majority of the population have an habitual relationship with around 400 acquaintances, but there is a great variability between people. In more extreme cases, acquaintances may number dozens or several thousand.
  • 3
       In addition to participating in associative organisations, there are factors associated with a greater social life. Being a man, being young, having a job, higher education and economic resources are some of them.
  • 4
       The result of this study for Spain is consistent with the few previous studies conducted in other countries.
Who knows the most people?
Who knows the most people?

The study of broader social circles, less considered by the social sciences than the relationship with family members and close friends, has also brought to light certain inequalities. People who, because of their vulnerability, need more support and protection are, precisely, the ones who have the least possibilities of achieving this because they know fewer people.

Classification

Tags

Subject areas

Related content

Article

Uses, skills and attitude in digital technology fields. Does a gender gap exist?

Boys consider that they are more skilled than girls in digital technology and communication fields, whereas girls feel better prepared in ethical and security-related aspects.

Activity

Well-being and mental health in a digitalised society

Technological changes also have repercussions on mental health, above all among the new generations of digital natives. We will be analysing the challenges and opportunities of some phenomena such as screen addiction, the impact of social media on self-image, or risks of the metaverse, at this series of seminars co-organised with the FAD Juventud (Youth) Foundation.

Article

The role of schools in detecting gender violence

Sixty-eight per cent of minors who are exposed to gender violence in the home say nothing in the academic setting and teaching staff only perceive it if evident signs of violence exist. How can an effective model for the prevention of sexist violence be drawn up for primary and secondary schools?

Activity

Mental health and social environment

How do social or gender inequalities affect mental health? In collaboration with the association Mental Health Catalonia, in this series of seminars we approach, from different perspectives, how the social environment influences people’s emotional wellbeing.

Article

The impact of gender-based violence on sons and daughters: the role of schools according to the pupils

Some 93% of children have heard of gender violence. Their preferential source of information is the school setting but, if faced with a situation of gender-based violence, they are unsure whether it would be the place to find help.

You may also find interesting

Uses, skills and attitude in digital technology fields. Does a gender gap exist?

Article

Uses, skills and attitude in digital technology fields. Does a gender gap exist?


Science

Boys consider that they are more skilled than girls in digital technology and communication fields, whereas girls feel better prepared in ethical and security-related aspects.

Desertified Spain

Article

Desertified Spain


Science

Some 17.5% of rural territory is exposed simultaneously to high rates of depopulation and of aridity. This study analyses how some factors for mitigating depopulation can have undesired effects, of both a social and an environmental nature.

Inequalities in covid-19 inequalities research: Who had the capacity to respond?

Article

Inequalities in covid-19 inequalities research: Who had the capacity to respond?


Science

Did inequality exist in the research into the inequalities of covid-19? We analyse it in this comparative study focusing on research production, distribution and collaborations between countries.