Network Theory (Sociology)

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In sociology there are different ways to deal theoretically with networks. A distinction must first be made between network theories, which deal on a theoretical level with how networks function socially. For such theories, networks are rather specific constellations in social space that have to be examined more closely and also theoretically understood. A second type of network theories see networks as a central metaphor and constellation for describing and understanding social events.

Demarcation

Furthermore, network theory is to be distinguished from network analysis. The network analysis or SNA is more likely to be classified as a pool of methods that contains different analytical procedures to record and analyze networks. This includes B. the investigation of the size, the density or the reciprocity of networks. The procedures of the SNA include e.g. B. statistical evaluations, the search for structural equivalence or the block model analysis. The network analysis or SNA does not claim to function as an explanatory theoretical basis in the sense of a social theory.

Overview of network theories in sociology

Networks from an action theory perspective

The theory of action ( Talcott Parsons ) explains human action from the approach of " rational choice ". The human being acts as a rational being. From such a perspective, networks are only structures that influence individual actions, whether positively as support or negatively as disability.

Networks as social capital

In many cases, networks are also classified as building blocks in the context of social capital ( Pierre Bourdieu ). In this perspective, networks stand as a resource that the individual has more or less at his disposal, but which he can also accumulate and collect himself. Studies that work on this theoretical basis are devoted to z. B. the question of whether and how certain groups of people can build networks as social capital.

Systems theory

Within the framework of systems-theoretical approaches ( Niklas Luhmann ) there are different attempts to theoretically integrate networks. Networks are mostly viewed as special cases or special forms of systems.

For the theories presented so far, it applies that they integrate networks as a building block in existing theoretical models, but not classify them as a basic explanatory model. This is different in the case of the following network theories (ANT and PNT), since these networks are viewed as the central explanatory models of their theories.

Actor Network Theory (ANT)

The ANT is particularly associated with the name Bruno Latour , but was also developed by other scientists. It originated in the field of sociology of technology and originally intended to model scientific (knowledge) processes. From the ANT's point of view, every object can be (more or less) an equivalent entity in a network. There is no fundamental distinction between humans and non-humans. For ANT, the scientific field is about viewing every event as an interaction between the entities.

Relational Sociology

Relational sociology (sometimes referred to as phenomenological network theory (PNT)) was essentially developed by Harrison White with the group of Harvard structuralists. Relational sociology describes social events as a continuous struggle for identity (s) and the associated efforts to control and control (this is also the title of White's main work: "Identity and Control"). The identity (s) can be both individuals (or even parts of individuals) and groups. All identities can only be understood as elements within a network; hence the name "Relational Sociology". Networks are therefore central structures in which identity (s) are negotiated. The figurative and process sociology of Norbert Elias pursues a similar basic idea .

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