The social network: A reconsideration of the concept of attachment

Marsha Weinraub; Jeanne Brooks; Michael Lewis

doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000271546

The social network: A reconsideration of the concept of attachment

Marsha Weinraub, Jeanne Brooks, Michael Lewis

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

The concept of attachment is reviewed and is found to be somewhat confusing and restrictive. An alternative to this concept, a social network approach, is offered to clarify the issues central to the study of social relationships. First, the following definition features of attachment are critically examined: (1) the affectionate quality of the relationship; (2) the role of proximity-seeking and maintaining behaviors; (3) the enduring quality of the relationship; (4) the uniqueness of the relationship and differentiality of behavioral expression; (5) attachment as an all-or-nonc phenomenon, and (6) attachment as a ‘tie’, ‘bond’, or ‘behavioral system'. Second, a social network approach is presented and specific propositions concerning this approach outlined.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	31-47
Number of pages	17
Journal	Human Development
Volume	20
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1159/000271546
State	Published - 1977
Externally published	Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Developmental and Educational Psychology

Keywords

Affectionate relations Attachment
Cultural differences
Family relations Proximity-seeking
Social network

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The social network: A reconsideration of the concept of attachment

Abstract

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

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