What is Social Network Analysis?

Description

This book is available as open access through the Bloomsbury Open Access programme and is available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. This book introduces the non-specialist reader to the principal ideas, nature and purpose of social network analysis. Social networks operate on many levels, from families up to the level of nations, and play a critical role in determining the way problems are solved, organizations are run, and the degree to which individuals achieve their goals. Social network theory maps these relationships between individual actors. Though relatively new on the scene it has become hugely influential across the social sciences. Assuming no prior knowledge of quantitative sociology, this book presents the key ideas in context through examples and illustrations. Using a structured approach to understanding work in this area, John Scott signposts further reading and online sources so readers can develop their knowledge and skills to become practitioners of this research method. A series of Frequently Asked Questions takes the reader through the main objections raised against social network analysis and answers the various queries that will come up once the reader has worked their way through the book.

John Scott is Professor of Sociology and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at Plymouth University. He is a Fellow of the British Academy, an Academician of the Academy of Learned Societies in the Social Sciences, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. His most recent publications include Conceptualising the Social World and (as co-editor with Peter Carrington) The Sage Handbook of Social Network Analysis (both 2011).

A very good text tackling a complex issue, highly recommended. * Stuart Agnew, University Campus Suffolk, UK *