Friendship and Wealth

Annika Hoeft

Sociological research on wealth emphasizes the dynastic transfer of wealth within entrepreneurial families and wealth preservation through professional management structures. The dissertation project complements this research by focusing on wealth reproduction through friendships, understood as non-familial, intimate interpersonal relationships. In this context, wealth is not recognized solely as monetary capital but also as an extended structure of opportunities arising throughout life. The aim is to explore how friendships contribute to wealth reproduction, without neglecting familial and professional networks. The study’s foundation combines biographical narrative interviews with a qualitative network approach and focuses on wealthy social groups in Germany. Of particular interest is the examination of relational practices that blend and distinguish familial, professional, and friendly relationships. The dissertation provides valuable insights into the lived realities of wealthy individuals and complements research on inequality and friendship. The project is part of the research focus “Wealth and Social Inequality.”