A Theory of “More than Social” Networks
A Theory of “More than Social” Networks
This chapter introduces the intellectual basis of network analysis, and highlights the power that networks have to cross boundaries between groups. It explores the power of the narrative form in the idea of networking as an emplotment of diverse characters, objects, and events. Storytelling allows group members to grasp the goals and values of networks and assess their place in the community. As this chapter suggests, it also allows them to navigate the relationships between the material and cognitive, and the human and nonhuman environmental characters. The chapter also looks at what motivates people to join a network and engage in collective action to manage resources and positively conserve the environment. A narrative theory and definition of the network is proposed, and a suggestion that narrative analysis is an important tool for network research.
Keywords: network analysis, narrative analysis, collective action, emplotment, storytelling, network
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