| Kommentar |
Relational sociology is a relatively new approach in (mainly North-American) sociology. It springs from sociological network research, but incorporates a systematic concern for culture and meaning. Starting with the publication of Harrison White’s Identity and Control (1992), relational sociology views networks as dynamic socio-cultural constructs of identities linked in stories. In theoretical treatises and empirical applications, it studies the interplay of networks with categories, roles, narratives, collective identities, artistic and academic creativity, and stratification. Fields of research include the Paris Commune of 1870, politics and economy in medieval Florence, Japanese culture, Brazilian youth activists, manager-meetings, categories of social work, and many others. The seminar discusses the general theoretical approach of relational sociology, focusing on the work of Harrison White. Then it proceeds to empirical application with particular focus on the discussion of methods to study the interplay of networks and meaning. |
| Literatur |
References (for quick overviews): Mische, Ann 2011: “Relational Sociology, Culture, and Agency” in: John Scott / Peter Carrington (eds.): Sage Handbook of Social Network Analysis, Thousands Oaks: Sage, 80-97. Mützel, Sophie / Jan Fuhse 2010: “Zur relationalen Soziologie” in: Jan Fuhse / Sophie Mützel (eds.): Relationale Soziologie, Wiesbaden: VS, 7-35. Pachucki, Mark / Ronald Breiger 2010: “Cultural Holes: Beyond Relationality in Social Networks and Culture” Annual Review of Sociology 36, 205-224. |
