We have observed the linear polarization of 21 bright grains of the photospheric network close to the disk center. The linear polarization of Fe I 6302.5 A was always lower than 1.9 x 10-3 (referred to continuum intensity). This level of linear polarization implies a very small magnetic field inclination with respect to the vertical, which we estimate below 10 deg. Our finding is in apparent disagreement with previous studies which claim large inclinations; however, it fulfills theoretical expectations. Plage regions close to sunspots might show inclination, but isolated network elements do not.
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Alméida et al. (1994) studied this question.