Theory matters! It guides our attention in research, it gives us expectations for empirical analysis, and it allows us to interpret results as examples of wider significance. Traditionally, network research focuses more on methods than on theory, leading to laments about the lack of theory. Over the last 35 years, there have been important advances in this regard. Now we have a variety of theoretical approaches to networks particularly from sociology (rational choice, analytical sociology, relational sociology etc.) available, as well as a number of middle-range theoretical concepts (social capital, network mechanisms). However, often enough, researchers do not know which concepts and approaches work well with their research.

The workshop gives an introduction and reflection into the general perspective of social network analysis, it offers an overview of the currently most important concepts and theoretical approaches to social networks, and provides for a forum for participants to discuss their own empirical research in relation to theory. The focus of the workshop lies on theories that give answers to the questions: What are social networks? Why, and how, do they matter for social phenomena?

The following topics will be covered:

‒ the general perspective of network research in the social sciences, with its difference to other approaches;

‒ what is theory, and how does it matter in the research process?

‒ networks as social capital;

‒ two-mode networks;

‒ varieties of relational sociology (inspired by pragmatism, symbolic interactionism, and by Harrison White);

‒ network mechanisms (foci-of-activity, homophily, institutionalized role patterns, reciprocity, transitivity, preferential attachment, social control, brokerage, access to information), the epistemological status of network mechanisms;

‒ methodology: which theoretical approach work with which methods?

‒ what concepts and theoretical approaches fit the attendants’ empirical research projects?

Much of the workshop will be run as presentations by the lecturer, complemented by short discussions among the participants. I will also be available for one-to-one counselling. A selection of texts will be sent to the participants, in case they want to prepare for the workshop. However, reading these is not mandatory.