W 11.1 TANG YINI 탕이니

 1.summary 

Social networks are social structures composed of social actors (such as individuals or organizations) and their interrelationships. Social network analysis (SNA) is used to identify and interpret the patterns within these networks. The theories and methods of social networks were mathematically formalized in the 1950s and became a major paradigm in social and behavioral sciences in the 1980s. SNA has now become an interdisciplinary field, applied across various disciplines, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, and biology.

Historical Background

The concept of social networks can be traced back to the late 19th century with the research of Émile Durkheim and Ferdinand Tönnies, who studied the differences between community (Gemeinschaft) and society (Gesellschaft). In the early 20th century, Georg Simmel explored the nature of networks and the impact of their scale on interactions. In the 1930s, Jacob Moreno created sociograms for studying small group interactions. Anthropologists like Bronislaw Malinowski and Alfred Radcliffe-Brown also contributed to social network theory. From the 1950s to the 1970s, scholars like Harrison White and his students further developed SNA. In the late 1990s, network analysis expanded with the advent of digital data and new models.

Levels of Analysis

1. Micro-level: Studies individuals and their direct relationships, including dyadic relations and triads, focusing on relationship strength and network characteristics.

2. Meso-level: Investigates relationships within and between groups and organizations, exploring social structure effects and network models like scale-free networks.

3. Macro-level: Examines large-scale networks and the features of complex networks, analyzing resource flows and social complexity in large populations.

The application of social network analysis is extensive, covering fields such as sociology, economics, and geography, making it a crucial tool for understanding social interactions and structures.

2.Interesting points 

1. Interdisciplinary Application: SNA is not only important in sociology but is also applied in psychology, anthropology, and biology, demonstrating its broad academic impact.

2. Historical Origins: The concept of social networks can be traced back to the late 19th century with the research of Durkheim and Tönnies, highlighting the deep historical background of social network analysis.


3.Questions 

How did the formalization of social network theories and methods in the 1950s contribute to the advancement of social and behavioral sciences?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Spirit Behind Wikipedia: Collaboration, Talk, and Trust- WANG YIKE 2.1

In a world overflowing with online information, Wikipedia stands out—not just for its vast range of content, but for how it is created. After watching “Why Wikipedia” and “How to Leave (and Read) a Wikipedia Talk Message,” and reading the introduction materials from Joseph Reagle’s Good Faith Collaboration, I’ve come to see that Wikipedia is more than a website—it’s a community built on trust, transparency, and a shared belief in the value of open knowledge. The “Why Wikipedia” video explains that Wikipedia is driven by a radical idea: anyone can edit. This openness has obvious risks, but surprisingly, it works. Why? Because Wikipedians follow a core principle called “good faith.” The idea is that editors assume others are acting with good intentions. They might disagree or make mistakes, but they are seen as partners in a shared mission, not enemies. This idea of good faith collaboration is explored deeply in Reagle’s writings. In the Foreword, Lawrence Lessig praises Wikipedia as an ...
Read more

LIN AIJIA Extra credit blog

China and Globalization The relationship between China and globalization is one of the most significant themes in 21st-century international politics, economics, and cultural exchange. As the world's second-largest economy and the largest developing country, China plays multiple roles in the globalization process: as a beneficiary, a driver, and a participant in shaping the rules.   Historical Background   Reform and Opening-Up & Globalization   China's adoption of the reform and opening-up policy in 1978 marked the beginning of its full integration into the globalization process. [1]   By introducing foreign investment and joining international economic organizations (such as the World Trade Organization), China gradually transformed from an agriculture-based nation into a global manufacturing hub.   Accession to the WTO   In 2001, China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) [2] , a critical milestone in the globalization process. Through mark...
Read more