Does anyone know sociological literature that addresses in detail how social networks manifest themselves in various societies?

For instance:
1) Do average number of "close" friends differ in various societies (in addition to the mean, what is the standard deviation, various modes, etc.).
2) Do the network patterns differ qualitatively (are pater familias more likely to be at the nodal points between various clusters in Confucian cultures?).
3) Comparisons of these tendencies with gender & social segregation and stratification within a given society.

Clarification is appreciated.