The Twelve Basic Assumptions of Network Research

The book provides an orientation in network research grounded in the dozen most important assumptions that characterize this field. It shows why relationship structures and strengths are important. The structure of relationships is crucial for behavioral patterns and cultural developments. The book introduces the concept of "cognitive social structure" to explain how our behavior depends on our knowledge of social networks.

Assumption 1: Network research focusses on the relationship and not the individual.- Assumption 2: Identities - what we are, we become through relationships.- Assumption 3: Two, three, under 10, many: Basic rules of structure formation.- Assumption 4: Strength of relationships and what that means for us.- Assumption 5: Behind our backs: Relationship structures work even when we are not aware of them.- Assumption 6: The structure of relationships limits us.- Assumption 7: Our own relationship arrangement is determined by others.- Assumption 8: What you know about the network is decisive for your behaviour: Cognitive social structure.- Assumption 9: The structure of relationships explains people's behaviour and attitudes.- Assumption 10: Our culture emerges in networks.- Assumption 11: Bimodal networks: what you can know about relationships without asking those involved.- Assumption 12: Organisations relate to each other through shared memberships.- Conclusion.- What you got out of the book.

Dr Christian Stegbauer is Professor of Sociology at the University of Frankfurt am Main (Germany).