Personal networks in Saudi Arabia: The role of ascribed and achieved characteristics

•We study the personal networks of parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.•Women have smaller and less occupational resourceful networks than men.•Non-Saudi have more extensive ties outside the family network.•Higher SES is associated with more extensive and resourceful personal networks.•Achieved status is more important than ascribed characteristics.

This study examines how ascribed characteristics (gender and nationality) and achieved characteristics (SES) are related to the extensity and occupational resources of personal networks in Saudi Arabia. Using large-scale survey data from Jeddah, results show that networks of women are smaller and less occupational resourceful, due to fewer non-family connections. Non-Saudi have more non-family ties and resources, but less resourceful family members. Higher SES individuals have larger and more resourceful personal networks. The study suggests that achieved status is more important in getting access to a wider variety of social ties and a more resourceful network than ascribed categories.