1. Social Network Analysis and Theories of Action Rafael Wittek Department of Sociology University of Groningen

2. June 29, 2005QMSS Summerschool, Ljubljana2

3. Social networks don’t explain anything!

4. June 29, 2005QMSS Summerschool, Ljubljana4 Today’s Program Introductory Lecture: Theories of Action Introductory Lecture: Theories of Action Discussion Discussion Lunch Break Lunch Break Introductory Lecture: Methodology Introductory Lecture: Methodology

5. June 29, 2005QMSS Summerschool, Ljubljana5 Morning Session: Overview 1. Social Network Analysis: Toolkit Essentials Example: Inter-Island Exchange in Melanesia Example: Inter-Island Exchange in Melanesia 2. Interdependencies 3. Social Mechanisms Example: Informal Control in a Paper Factory Example: Informal Control in a Paper Factory 4. Theories of Action 5. Discussion and Conclusion

6. June 29, 2005QMSS Summerschool, Ljubljana6 Social Network Analysis: Toolkit Essentials Action Theoretic Paradigm Action Theoretic Paradigm Type of Interdependence Type of Interdependence Social Mechanism Social Mechanism Rationalism, Structuralism, Culturalism Functional, Structural, Cognitive Situational, Action Generating, Transformational

7. Example: Emergence of an Exchange Network The Kula Ring in Melanesia

8. June 29, 2005QMSS Summerschool, Ljubljana8

9. June 29, 2005QMSS Summerschool, Ljubljana9