Dynamic analysis of personal networks. The case of Argentinean migrants in Spain

This paper discusses and illustrates various approaches for the analysis of dynamic personal networks (multilevel analysis, regression analysis, and SIENA). We combined the different types of analysis in a study of the changing personal networks of immigrants. Data were obtained from 25 Argentineans in Spain, who were interviewed twice in a two-year interval. Qualitative interviews were used to estimate the amount of measurement error and to indicate possibly important predictors. Quantitative analyses showed that the persistence of ties was explained by tie strength, network density, and alters' country of origin and residence. Furthermore, transitivity appeared to be an important tendency, both for acquiring new contacts and for the relations among alters. At the network level, immigrants' networks were remarkably stable in composition and structure despite the high turnover. Clustered graphs have been used to illustrate the results. The results are discussed in the light of adaptation to the host society. Northeastern Spain (first wave).