Investigating informal social networks in construction artisans in the Western Cape
Date
2014-09-10
Authors
Lekarapa, Martin
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Abstract
Informal social networks among the construction craftworkers from various ethnic
groups create barriers of entry to crafts men entering the Constuction Industry in the
Western Cape, South Africa. This study aimed to investigage how informal social
networks found in three construction sites in an ethnically diverse area, can bring
economic exclusions and promote inequality in terms of accessibility to social
economic resources. Data was collected using Social Network Analysis (SNA)
method, through the egocentric approach. Data analysis was done with the use of the
social network analysis program UCINET. Findings from the three case studies
showed that the accessibility of job information is through the informal social
networks formed among the construction artisans, foremen including construction
managers. Moreover, artisans from these sites were mostly friends and neighbours of
the same race which suggests that their social relations facilitated the transfer of
information concerning job opportunities. These kinds of relations transmit limited
information. As much as the informal social networks can be advantageous, they
create barriers of entry to those who are not part of these networks or barriers to skills
acquisition to those who do not possess craft skills. These exclude those who do not
belong to these advantageous networks. Further findings showed that a particular
trade was dominated by a particular race. Also, minimal interaction was observed
among different races suggesting a hindrance of transfer of information about job
opportunites across ethnic groups. It is recommended that the artisans need to interact
with others from different races as to broaden their networks and also to have
multiplex networks. The government also needs to implement new policies which can
enable people to have equality in the accessbility of social resources and economic
opportunities.
Description
A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Masters degree of Master of Science in Building in the School of Construction Economics and Management, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Witwatersrand.