Spatial dynamics in collective identity: Proximity and homophily in antifascist hyperlink-networks

IF 2.9 2区社会学 Q1 ANTHROPOLOGY

Social Networks Pub Date : 2025-04-19 DOI:10.1016/j.socnet.2025.04.001

Janine Schröder, Jürgen Pfeffer

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Internet Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become increasingly popular for social movements of all kinds. Social movement organizations (SMOs) use them to interact and mobilize also across borders. Previous research has highlighted the opportunities for transnational networking and the resulting reduction in the importance of local dependency for SMOs. One movement that combines local direct action with the goal of an international network of activists is Antifa. Single case studies have highlighted that local demonstrations and networks are still vital for antifascist groups. However, studies that examine the influence of spatial dynamics on building an international (digital) network beyond focusing on a single country are still lacking. This study, therefore, examines the impact of proximity on forming digital connections among 355 unique European antifascist groups. Using Exponential Random Graph Modeling (ERGM), we examine the hyperlink network across Europe via the groups’ online presence. The findings reveal that the languages of the groups and the geographical distance between them are significant predictors for the probability of displayed hyperlink connections. These results demonstrate the relevance of proximity theories in the field of digital activism. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of spatial dynamics in shaping online networks, reinforcing the importance of space in contemporary network analysis in social movements studies.

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集体认同的空间动力学：反法西斯超链接网络中的接近性和同质性

互联网通信技术（ICTs）在各种社会运动中越来越受欢迎。社会运动组织（SMOs）利用它们进行互动和动员，也跨越国界。以前的研究强调了跨国联网的机会，以及因此而降低了对地方依赖的重要性。一个将地方直接行动与国际激进分子网络目标相结合的运动是Antifa。个别案例研究强调，地方示威和网络对反法西斯组织仍然至关重要。然而，研究空间动态对构建国际（数字）网络的影响的研究仍然缺乏，而不是侧重于单个国家。因此，本研究考察了在355个独特的欧洲反法西斯团体中，邻近性对形成数字联系的影响。使用指数随机图模型（ERGM），我们通过集团的在线存在检查整个欧洲的超链接网络。研究结果表明，群体的语言和他们之间的地理距离是显示超链接连接概率的重要预测因素。这些结果证明了接近理论在数字行动主义领域的相关性。该研究有助于更深入地了解塑造在线网络的空间动态，加强空间在当代社会运动研究中网络分析中的重要性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Social Networks Multiple-

CiteScore

5.90

自引率

12.90%

发文量

118

期刊介绍： Social Networks is an interdisciplinary and international quarterly. It provides a common forum for representatives of anthropology, sociology, history, social psychology, political science, human geography, biology, economics, communications science and other disciplines who share an interest in the study of the empirical structure of social relations and associations that may be expressed in network form. It publishes both theoretical and substantive papers. Critical reviews of major theoretical or methodological approaches using the notion of networks in the analysis of social behaviour are also included, as are reviews of recent books dealing with social networks and social structure.