Social Network

Definition

A social network refers to the interconnected relationships and interactions between individuals or groups within a social structure. It encompasses the web of personal connections that shape an individual's social environment and influence their access to resources, information, and opportunities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The size and density of a social network can influence the flow of information, resources, and influence within a group.
2. Individuals with diverse social networks tend to have access to a wider range of information and opportunities compared to those with more homogeneous networks.
3. The position of an individual within a social network, such as being a central connector or a broker, can confer advantages in terms of power, control, and influence.
4. Social networks can facilitate the diffusion of ideas, behaviors, and innovations through the interconnected relationships between individuals.
5. The strength and quality of social ties within a network can impact the level of trust, cooperation, and support among group members.

Review Questions

• Explain how the size and structure of a social network can influence the flow of information and resources within a group.
  • The size and structure of a social network can significantly impact the flow of information and resources within a group. Larger networks with more connections tend to have greater access to diverse information and resources, as they can tap into a wider range of perspectives and opportunities. However, very large networks may also experience challenges in terms of coordination and information overload. The presence of structural holes, or gaps in the network, can provide individuals with the ability to bridge these gaps and control the flow of information between otherwise disconnected groups, conferring advantages in terms of power and influence.
• Describe the role of weak ties within a social network and how they can benefit individuals.
  • Weak ties, or casual or infrequent connections within a social network, can provide individuals with access to diverse information and resources that may not be available within their close-knit relationships. These weak ties can act as bridges, linking an individual to different social circles and exposing them to new ideas, opportunities, and perspectives. While strong ties, such as close friends and family, are important for emotional support and trust, weak ties can be valuable in terms of accessing novel information and resources that can expand an individual's social and professional horizons.
• Analyze how an individual's position and centrality within a social network can influence their power, control, and influence within the group.
  • An individual's position and centrality within a social network can have a significant impact on their power, control, and influence within the group. Individuals who occupy central positions, with many connections to others, are often seen as influential and powerful, as they can more easily access and disseminate information, resources, and ideas. Conversely, individuals who serve as brokers, bridging structural holes within the network, can also wield significant influence by controlling the flow of information between otherwise disconnected groups. This positioning can provide advantages in terms of negotiating, coordinating, and leveraging the diverse resources and perspectives available within the network.

Related terms

Social Capital:

The resources and benefits that individuals can access through their social connections and networks, such as information, influence, and emotional support.

Structural Holes: Gaps or disconnections within a social network that provide opportunities for individuals to bridge and control the flow of information between otherwise unconnected groups.

Weak Ties: Casual or infrequent connections within a social network that can provide access to diverse information and resources outside of an individual's close-knit relationships.