A sustainable livelihoods approach to measuring mobilization of resources through social networks among vulnerable populations: A case study of Delhi farmers

Social networks can provide access to tangible and intangible resources, particularly important among vulnerable groups who often establish relationships to meet daily needs and sustain livelihoods. However, it is not just the number of resources available through social networks, but rather the quality and stability—and ability to access them when needed. There is growing consensus that social networks provide access to resources, but the focus on measuring structural attributes of networks does not explain how resources are mobilized. The objective of this research was to develop and test a method for measuring mobilization of resources through social networks. Using a sustainable livelihoods approach, we describe an inductive-deductive, mixed-methods approach to measuring mobilization of resources through social networks, tested through a case study of marginalized farmers in Delhi, India (n = 121 households). Findings are summarized as eight social network typologies. This research proposes a novel method for measuring mobilization of resources and fills a gap in conceptualizing and measuring how social ties enable and impede use of resources embedded in social networks among vulnerable populations. We conclude by discussing implications for interpretation, intervention and strengthening of social networks.