Social networks and urban survival in Mukono Town
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Date
2014-12
Authors
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Publisher
Kampala International University ,College of Education
Abstract
The study was conducted to explore the importance of social networks in the survival of the
urban poor in Mukono Town. This was after the realisation that liberalisation and the rapid
urbanisation of Mukono Town had left thousands of the town residents in squalid conditions
where abject and absolute poverty rule with services going mainly to paying clients. The study
specifically sought to achieve the following objectives: to establish the basis for formation of
social networks in Mukono Town; and to explore the role of social networks in the survival of
the urban poor in Mukono Town. To achieve the stated objectives, the study was guided by the
following research questions: what is the basis for formation of social networks in Mukono
Town? What is the role of social networks in the survival of the urban poor in Mukono Town?
The study design took the form of a case study of social networks and urban survival in Mukono
Town. The study also involved purposive sampling in which the data sought were qualitative. A
sample of 40 respondents was purposively selected for the study. These included 10 femaleheaded
households, 10 male-headed households, five local leaders, five bachelors, five spinsters
and five social service providers (in health, education, water, housing and transport). The data
were collected using interviews and observations for primary data and documents analysis for
secondary data. The analysis of the data generated by the interviews and observations involved a
phenomenological approach by emphasising a deep understanding of the observed phenomena
and views of the participants, literal description and narration of the emerging issues out of
which authentic conclusions were made. During the interviews and observations, the researcher
noted down in his diary the relevant issues (episodes, situations, events or instances) for accurate
reporting. The main themes that emerged from the field notes and interviews were noted down,
quoting extensively in verbatim format.
The study established that social networks are formed based on a multiple of factors that
included geographical proximity, social clubs, shared schooling, work place, kinship, religion,
shared values, attitudes, culture, social status, aspirations and marriage alliances. The study also
found out that social networks are important in the survival of the urban poor by creating links
and nodes that enable such people to access food, water, employment, medication, shelter,
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Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Education of Kampala International University
Keywords
Social Networks, Urban Survival