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Social Network Analysis and Resettled Refugees

A BSA Social Network Analysis Study Group (SNAG) Online Symposium

27 March 2025 (1.00-2.00pm GMT)
Online

About the Event

Social networks are essential in supporting forcibly displaced individuals throughout their complex resettlement journey. Yet, the social networks of resettled refugees remain largely underexplored, particularly through Social Network Analysis (SNA).

This online symposium brings together two researchers who have been exploring refugee resettlement through the lens of social networks, offering fresh insights from their distinct projects. The event is hosted by the Social Network Analysis Study Group (SNAG) of the British Sociological Association (BSA).

Featured presentations:

  • ‘You need a network’: exploring the social ties of resettled Afghans in London.
    Professor Louise Ryan (London Metropolitan University), along with her colleagues, Professor Maria Lopez and Alessia Dalceggio, has been working with resettled Afghans over the last three years. In this presentation, she will explore the use of SNA, including visualisation tools as well as longitudinal analysis, to understand the composition and dynamism of social ties among these displaced individuals.
  • Exploring the social networks of resettled refugees in the UK: insights from mixed-methods research and visualisation tools.
    Dr Gabriella D’Avino (University of Birmingham) will present her research on the social networks of refugees resettled in the UK through the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and the Community Sponsorship scheme. She will examine mixed-method approaches alongside visualisation tools to understand the quantity, quality and support of refugee social networks.
  • Professor Alessio D’Angelo (University of Derby), an expert in migration studies and SNA, will chair the symposium.

Topics covered:

  • Defining and mapping refugee social networks.
  • Sociograms for analysing network structures: density, clustering and more.
  • Longitudinal research to track the evolution of networks over time.
  • Ethical considerations in social network research.
  • Policy implications for improving resettlement and integration strategies.

This symposium provides a unique opportunity to explore the critical role of social networks in refugee resettlement, deepening our understanding and shaping future research and policy.

Registration

This event is free to attend but registration is required.