Social network analysis in a network approach in sociology

The study of social structure and social interactions has always been the focus of theoretical and empirical study of the social sciences and sociology in particular. One of the areas of activity of the laboratory is related to the study of the theoretical and methodological foundations of the direction of analysis of social networks, as well as other areas that can be attributed to the “network approach” in sociology.

In the dissertation work “Network approach in sociology: genesis of ideas, current state and possibilities of application” (2015), Daria Maltseva compared three theoretical and methodological areas of research that use the concept of a network in their explanatory models, which can be attributed to the “network approach” in sociology – Social network analysis, Relational sociology and Actor-network theory. Analyzing the time and context of the emergence of these directions, the main theoretical and methodological positions and features of implementation in empirical research, the work showed the autonomy and specific place of each direction in the structure of sociological knowledge (with some overlaps). It was shown that, in general, the “network approach” should not be considered a monolithic theoretical block, nor should various directions be united under the unifying names of “network theory” or “network paradigm.”

Social network analysis aimed at studying relationships as connections between network nodes, rather than transactions and the meanings born in them, makes it possible to identify social structures, or patterns of relationships that underlie various social phenomena and processes that provide members of a social systems enable or limit their actions. The history of the development of network analysis shown in the work includes stages of origin, a period of institutionalization and encounters with challenges – including the emergence of Relational Sociology and interdisciplinary Network Science. The theoretical and methodological foundations of network analysis highlighted in the work can serve as a guide for researchers planning empirical studies using social network analysis, as well as those interested in developing theoretical ideas in this direction.

Publications:

• Abstract of a dissertation for the degree of candidate of sociological sciences of Daria Maltseva "Network approach in sociology: genesis of ideas, current state and possibilities of application", 2014.
• Maltseva D. Relational sociology: a new stage in the development of social network analysis or an independent direction? // Monitoring of public opinion: Economic and social changes. 2014. No. 4 (122). pp. 3-14.
• Maltseva D. Network approach as a phenomenon of sociological theory // Sociological Research. 2018. No. 4. P. 3-14. 
  
• Maltseva D. Donati P. Relational theory of society: social life from the point of view of critical realism / Comp. E.A. Kostrova. M.: PSTGU, 2019. 312 p. // Sociological research. 2020. No. 2. P. 169-171.