Steps

Following introductions, the interviewer works with the respondent to construct her/her husband’s immediate kinship tree. This was then used to discuss the number of interactions that she has with her close kin.

The interviewer then inquires about: interactions with non kin (women and men). Their names and relation (neighbor, service provider, local elected member) are then recorded onto cards, which are organized into those that reside inside and those that reside outside the hamlet.

The types of relationships (loans, friendship, legal advise, day-to-day support) are identified in this process and also written on cards placed in a matrix format across the top, whilst the cards with names of kin and non kin are placed downward, forming a matrix. The interviewer also establishes the frequency of the interaction and whether it constitutes a giving or receiving interaction.

The interviewers also ask whether or not women physically move to visit the persons with whom they have a given interaction or if the person comes to them, establishing patterns of mobility.

During analysis, the team computerizes the network matrix, and uses it to generate a diagram that shows all this information visually to highlight “the density” of interaction. The team then speaks to other women and asks if the patterns that the team found are representative of their socio-economic background.