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Social networks, mobile lives and social inequalities

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  • Urry, John

Abstract

A central argument of much contemporary literature is that the advent of digital and mobile technologies creates new kinds of mobile lives, new socialities and new ways of relating to the self and others. In this paper I specifically examine how mobile lives unfold through social networks, facilitating the forming and reforming of connections people have with others, near and distant. I argue that movement itself is not so significant. Its importance rather stems from how it enables people to be connected with each other, to meet and to remeet over time and across space. Movement makes connections. These connections form patterns or networks, which many commentators see as the critical feature of contemporary life. Much travel thus involves making new connections and extending one’s network or sustaining one’s existing networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Urry, John, 2012. "Social networks, mobile lives and social inequalities," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 24-30.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:21:y:2012:i:c:p:24-30
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2011.10.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Yu, Shaolu, 2016. "“I am like a deaf, dumb and blind person”: Mobility and immobility of Chinese (im)migrants in Flushing, Queens, New York City," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 10-21.
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    5. Bose, Pablo S., 2014. "Refugees in Vermont: mobility and acculturation in a new immigrant destination," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 151-159.
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    11. Alexa Delbosc, 2017. "Why write well?," Transport Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(5), pages 545-550, September.
    12. Young, Martin & Higham, James E.S. & Reis, Arianne C., 2014. "‘Up in the air’: A conceptual critique of flying addiction," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 51-64.
    13. Smith, Chandler & Myadar, Orhon & Iroz-Elardo, Nicole & Ingram, Maia & Adkins, Arlie, 2022. "Making of home: Transportation mobility and well-being among Tucson refugees," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    14. Ward, Chandra & Walsh, Darrell, 2023. "“I just don't go nowhere:” How transportation disadvantage reinforces social exclusion," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    15. Gil Viry & Olga Ganjour & Jacques-Antoine Gauthier & Emmanuel Ravalet & Eric D. Widmer, 2017. "Analysing the Role of Social Visits on Migrants’ Social Capital: A Personal Network Approach," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 5(4), pages 209-225.
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