Difference between revisions of "Borrels (Netherlands)"

According to Granovetter, weak ties fulfil a crucial bridging function between networks. There is considerable empirical support for the argument that people with more extended and diverse networks, based on weak ties, benefit from more job opportunities and upward mobility (Granovetter 1983 <ref> Granovetter, M. (1983). The Strength of Weak Ties: A Network Theory Revisited. Sociological Theory, 1, 201. <ref>). This effect is mediated by education that strengthens the positive effect of weak ties on job opportunities and income. Strong ties are not without merit: Ultimately they influence decision-making, while weak ties act as bridges for the flow of (new) information.

According to Granovetter, weak ties fulfil a crucial bridging function between networks. There is considerable empirical support for the argument that people with more extended and diverse networks, based on weak ties, benefit from more job opportunities and upward mobility (Granovetter 1983 <ref> Granovetter, M. (1983). The Strength of Weak Ties: A Network Theory Revisited. Sociological Theory, 1, 201. <ref>). This effect is mediated by education that strengthens the positive effect of weak ties on job opportunities and income. Strong ties are not without merit: Ultimately they influence decision-making, while weak ties act as bridges for the flow of (new) information.

Borrels seem to function as occasions for white-collar professionals to establish and maintain weak ties within their immediate professional surroundings (direct colleagues) and beyond (indirect colleagues, introducees, conference participants). This is reflected in the instrumental objectives of borrels, which are, without exception, aimed at improving social relations with other people. The expectation is that weak ties will serve as a bridge between networks for information, although not necessarily of influence. The key characteristics of borrels support Granovetter’s findings as well: the inclusive nature of the borrels allows for the maximum number of potential new weak ties to be established at the gathering. Its unofficial and voluntary nature shows that commitment, i.e. strong ties, is not required, which in turn further lowers the threshold for individuals outside of a close network to attend. Finally, the informal and relaxed nature arguably allows for the easiest contact with a larger number of people on equal footing, without the necessity to engage in professional matters, complex subject and exclusive jargons.

Borrels seem to function as occasions for white-collar professionals to establish and maintain weak ties within their immediate professional surroundings (direct colleagues) and beyond (indirect colleagues, introducees, conference participants). This is reflected in the instrumental objectives of borrels, which are, without exception, aimed at improving social relations with other people. The expectation is that weak ties will serve as a bridge between networks for information, although not necessarily of influence. The key characteristics of borrels support Granovetter’s findings as well: the inclusive nature of the borrels allows for the maximum number of potential new weak ties to be established at the gathering. Its unofficial and voluntary nature shows that commitment, i.e. strong ties, is not required, which in turn further lowers the threshold for individuals outside of a close network to attend. Finally, the informal and relaxed nature arguably allows for the easiest contact with a larger number of people on equal footing, without the necessity to engage in professional matters, complex subject and exclusive jargons.

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