Logical Weakness of “The Strength of Weak Ties”

Abstract

The present paper identifies leaps in the logic of Granovetter's (1973) “The Strength of Weak Ties.” Granovetter states that “bridges” are “weak ties” due to the existence of a “forbidden triad.” However, the latter portion of his work, which cites empirical evidence, indicates a reversal in the logical relationship, stating that “weak ties” are “bridges.” Granovetter also provides very little evidence to state definitively that “forbidden triads never happen.”