The strength of weak ties in shaping attitudes toward interfaith marriage: Muslim migrants in Western Europe

This study examines the “strength of weak ties” argument in the formation of interfaith marriage attitudes. Based on the EURISLAM survey data collected from Muslim migrants residing in six Western European countries, the analyses suggest that both strong and weak ties with natives are positively associated with the likelihood of interfaith marriage approval. However, strong and weak ties are not equally influential when they interact with each other. The results reveal a paradox: the positive effect of strong ties becomes more pronounced only when accompanied by weak ties. In the absence of weak ties, an increase in strong ties is associated with a decrease in interfaith marriage approval, which highlights the significance of tie composition in shaping attitudes toward interfaith marriage and supports the “strength of weak ties” argument. Finally, ties are context-dependent function of network composition, individual characteristics, and the countries where migrants settle.