What is meant by 'strength of weak ties' in sociology?

The concept of 'strength of weak ties,' introduced by sociologist Mark Granovetter, highlights the unique role that weak ties play in social networks. Weak ties refer to acquaintances or connections that are not deeply embedded in one’s social circle, as opposed to strong ties, which are close friends or family members.

The reason why weak ties are valuable, as indicated in the correct answer, is that they often connect individuals to different social groups or networks. This position allows weak ties to serve as bridges that provide access to new information, ideas, and opportunities that may not be available through strong ties. Strong ties tend to have overlapping social connections, leading to redundancy in information. In contrast, because weak ties link disparate social circles, they can offer unique or diverse perspectives that enhance individuals' knowledge and resources.

This aspect of weak ties is particularly significant in various contexts such as job searching, where connections through weak ties can introduce individuals to opportunities and networks that they might not encounter through their close friends or family. Thus, weak ties are not just important; they can be critical in facilitating access to new resources and information.