Sociability networks of migrant youngsters: The case of Dutch Hindustanis

This article introduces the concept of sociability as an alternative to social capital theories in understanding the expansion of ethnic networks of Dutch Hindustani youngsters. The author argues that the concept of sociability, launched by Simmel and characterized by joy, relief and vivacity, captures these networks better than theories of social capital because they presume rationality and exchange. While sociability appears to be a useful alternative, it lacks specification of the preconditions and the relational glue. It is argued that for sociability relations to emerge, agency is require... Mehr ...