Considerations around the notion of network
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48160/18517072re25.388Keywords:
networks, Action Network Theory, social network analisis, mediation dispositiveAbstract
The notion of network is used in social sciences and, particularly, on science studies. There are two research lines that goes beyond the metaphorical use of the word network. On the first hand, there is the Social Networks analysis, and on the other hand, the Sociology of Innovation beginning with Bruno Latour’s work and later developed under several labels (Sociology of Translation, Sociology of Intermediaries, Actor-Network Theory, Sociotechnical Network Studies, etc.). This paper is an attempt to put in perspective both viewpoints on networks, by remarking the common features and the differences, their advantages and drawbacks. Starting from a standpoint closer to the Social Network analysis conception, by showing empirical examples could be established the chance to introduce some ideas belonging to the Sociology of Innovation framework, in particular, the notion of mediation dispositive. In the conclusion’s section, the author scrutinize the chances to step further on the development of a framework involving both viewpoints and their entailed problems.
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