Social Networks in the Slovakian–Hungarian Cross-Border Region

Abstract

The role of social capital in the social integration of the Slovakian–Hungarian border region is fundamental. The main focus of the study is to measure and describe the interpersonal social relationships of the population on both sides of the border region through a representative sur- vey (N=1996). The specific questions are the following: 1) there is a difference in the frequen- cies and numbers of cross-border relations in the Hungarian an Slovakian sample; 2) can we measure different network parameters in the western and eastern part of the border; 3) and what sort of differences of strong and weak ties are conspicuous? The interpersonal relationships and the stock of cross-border social capital are asymmetric because of the density of Hungarian population in South-Slovakia. The basic factors of differentiation M the probability, number, composition and spatial directions are status-based and not territorial (west–east) ones.