The Structure of Sociability: Urban Migration and Urban—Rural Ties in Kenya

Rural—urban migration in Kenya often involves men who participate in both city and country economies during their life cycle. These ties are facilitated by patrilineal, patrilocal horticultural economies which continue to offer rural alternatives to both urban migrants and rural returnees from the city. Such a periodic migration cycle is likely to lead to strong rural—urban social ties, rather than isolated urban enclaves or very different urban and rural interaction patterns. Data from a sociometrie analysis of a matched rural—urban network sample indicate that (1) such rural—urban networks are highly interconnected; (2) three dimensions structure social ties within the network: clan affiliations, social status indicators, and urban or rural residence (in order of importance).