The Development of Social Network Analysis: A Study in the Sociology of Science

by Linton C. Freeman

Ideas about social structure and social networks are very old. People have always believed that biological and social links among individuals are important. But it wasn't until the early 1930s that systematic research that explored the patterning of social ties linking individuals emerged. And it emerged, not once, but several times in several different social science fields and in several places. This book reviews these developments and explores the social processes that wove all these "schools" of network analysis together into a single coherent approach.

Genres: Sociology

218 pages, Paperback

First published July 23, 2004

Reviews

[Willis]

More of a historical look at the people who developed the field - essentially a chronological timeline of the different academics in different departments and the work they were doing. You won't learn much about network analysis itself by reading this book, there's plenty of others on the topic.

[Steven]

I'm looking at social media applications to education and the mature market. Book was suggested at a webinar I attended. Historical in viewpoint, good basic sociology text on the subject.

[Timothy]

If you want to learn more about social network analysis, this is a good place to start.