Socially Embedded Researchers: Examining Social Support Networks across Marital and Occupational Positions

Abstract

This study examines differences in perceived social support networks among researchers working in an agricultural research institution in Punjab, Pakistan. Drawing on a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 329 researchers through stratified sampling. Social support networks were measured using five indicators capturing support from close friends, family members, colleagues, relatives, and peer groups. Psychometric assessment indicated strong measurement properties, with high indicator loadings, excellent internal consistency, and acceptable collinearity levels. Descriptive statistics were calculated to examine variations in perceived social support across marital-status and job-designation groups. Because group sizes and variances could differ, Welch’s analysis of variance was employed to test overall group differences, followed by Games–Howell post hoc comparisons. Results revealed statistically significant differences in social support networks across marital-status categories. All pairwise marital-status comparisons were significant, with single researchers reporting the highest and divorced researchers the lowest levels of perceived support. Significant differences were also found across job-designation categories. All job-designation comparisons were significant, with Scientific Officers reporting the highest and Principal Scientists the lowest social support. The findings demonstrate that social support is patterned by both family-related and occupational positions within the research workplace.