Isomorphism (social sciences)

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The isomorphism ( gr. Ἴσος isos "equal", μορφή morphé "shape, form") is in the social sciences a concept of methodological "Gleichgestaltigkeit" of theories or models is significant individual for interdisciplinary collaboration problem aspects of social life. With isomorphism, two very different subject areas can be clearly and reversibly mapped onto one another via a transformation of the same meaning.

Such subject-related subjects include ethnology , economics , law , cultural history , political science , history and linguistics . Isomorphism is established when different subject areas can be explored using the same theories or models . In the case of the same structural relationships, the legal statements valid for one object can be transferred to the statements of the other.

Suitable methods for finding isomorphies are analogy (“agreement, similarity, correspondence”) and heuristics . The second method consists in the art of arriving at probable statements or practicable solutions with limited knowledge, incomplete information and little time.

Institutions

According to DiMaggio and Powell , isomorphism applies particularly to institutions . There are three different forms:

  • Coercive Isomorphism : The structures are forcibly adopted by organizations because they are financially or legally dependent;
  • Mimetic isomorphism : the structures are voluntarily imitated if they are judged to be successful;
  • Normative isomorphism : the comparable socialization leads to comparable solution strategies.

An example

The theory of universal antinomeric structures prompted Fritz Riemann to apply the physical-cosmic laws (a) of gravity and (b) centrifugal force , as well as the astronomical laws (c) of the revolution and (d) of the rotation of planets to psychosocial conditions . In doing so, according to these four laws, he comes to a fourth division of personality traits with the (a)  compulsive , (b)  hysterical , (c)  depressive and (d)  schizoid personalities .

reception

Hans-Georg Gadamer (1900–2002) emphasized in the presentation of the method problem for the humanities that uniformities as well as regularities and other regularities in moral sciences ( moral sciences ) were already after David Hume (1711–1776) as identifiers for predictable Appearances and processes serve.

literature

  • PJ DiMaggio, WW Powell: The Iron Cage Revisited: Institutional Isomorphism and Collective Rationality in Organizational Fields. American Sociological Review , 48 (2), 1983, pp. 147-160.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Karl-Heinz Hillmann : Dictionary of Sociology (= Kröner's pocket edition . Volume 410). 4th, revised and expanded edition. Kröner, Stuttgart 1994, ISBN 3-520-41004-4 , Lexikon-Stw. “Isomorphy”: p. 393, Lexikon-Stw. “Social Sciences”: p. 817.
  2. ^ PJ DiMaggio, WW Powell: The Iron Cage Revisited: Institutional Isomorphism and Collective Rationality in Organizational Fields. American Sociological Review , 48 (2), 1983, pp. 147-160.
  3. ↑ Riemann, Fritz : Basic forms of fear . A depth psychological study. Ernst Reinhardt Verlag, Munich, 9th edition 1974/1975 [1961], ISBN 3 497 00749 8 , pp. 7-19.
  4. ↑ Hume, David : A Treatise of Human Nature: Being an Attempt to introduce the experimental Method of Reasoning into Moral Subjects . (1739–1740; German A treatise on human nature ; see the introduction)
  5. ↑ Gadamer, Hans-Georg : Hermeneutics I. Truth and Method. Basic features of a philosophical hermeneutics. Collected Works, Volume I, JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck), Tübingen 1990, ISBN 3-16-145616-5 ; P. 9