Stability and instability in the friendship networks of the Turkish white-collar class

In this study, I analyzed changes over time in networks consisting of closest friends in the context of the Turkish white-collar class. I also examined how life events affect these changes. I collected data using interviews (conducted 5 years apart) with 32 male and 37 female respondents. The data show that a significant amount of change in the friendship networks was associated with certain life events; geographical mobility was the most important of these. The data also suggest that there are some significant gendered differences in friendships that change as a result of social circumstances.