Shared contexts and triadic closure in core discussion networks

► We examine three structural explanations for triadic closure in networks of confidants. ► Although most triads are closed, many strong relations are unconnected. ► Sharing social contexts is an important condition for, but does not guarantee triadic closure. ► Whether sharing a context affects triadic closure or not depends on specific context characteristics. This paper inquires into structural explanations for triadic closure in networks of confidants with whom one discusses important personal matters. Building upon the assumption that meeting opportunities affect network characteristics, we primarily argue that the social contexts in which network members meet, substantially affect triadic closure. The main empirical findings are (a) that about sixty percent of the triads in core discussion networks are closed triads, which also means that a substantial part of one's strong relations is unconnected, and (b) that meeting network members in the same social contexts is an important condition for, but certainly does not guarantee triadic closure. Importantly, the specific characteristics of social contexts explain why sharing certain contexts positively affects triadic closure, while sharing other contexts does not.