Social system

About: Social system is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2974 publications have been published within this topic receiving 92395 citations.

New for whom? Initial images from the social dimension of innovation

Abstract: The paper presents a system-theoretical concept of innovation differentiating between an object-related, a temporal and a social dimension of newness. Due to a so far strong bias to the two former dimensions an exclusive focus on its social dimension is imperative now. Innovations thus are introduced as new, exclusive forms of relations to oneself, to others and to the relationships of others. The difference these relations make is the distinction between social entities, i.e. the differentiation of social systems. Social differentiation can take three forms: segmented, stratified and functional differentiation. We thus can relate three types of relations with three forms of social entities and receive nine dimensions of sustainable innovation management. Using the example of a Swiss crowdsourcing service provider, the paper finally shows how rewarding the balancing of these dimensions can be, and that too strong a focus on an innovation's economic outcome may result in lower profit.

(Forthcoming in the Sage Handbook of Social Network Analysis , edited by John Scott and Peter Carrington, Sage 2011)

Abstract: One of the debates surrounding social network analysis has been whether it consists of a method or a theory. Is network analysis merely a cluster of techniques for analyzing the structure of social relationships, or does it constitute a broader conceptual framework, theoretical orientation, or even philosophy of life? In an article two decades ago synthesizing emerging work on social networks, Barry Wellman argued that network analysis goes beyond methodology to inform a new theoretical paradigm: “structural analysis does not derive its power from the partial application of this concept or that measure. It is a comprehensive paradigmatic way of taking social structure seriously by studying directly how patterns of ties allocate resources in a social system” (Wellman 1988, p. 20). This paradigm, he goes on to argue, takes relations – rather than individuals, groups, attributes, or categories – as the fundamental unit of social analysis. This argument was taken up a few years later by Mustafa Emirbayer and Jeff Goodwin, who described the new “anti-categorical imperative” introduced by network analysis and explored its relationship to research on cultural and historical change (Emirbayer and Goodwin 1994). While disagreement remains among network analysts regarding this issue, a broader “relational perspective” within sociology has been simmering for the past three decades, often involving scholars who themselves do not use formal network methodology, or who use it only marginally in their research. Inspired by such eminent figures as Harrison White and Charles Tilly, this perspective has taken some of the broader theoretical insights of network analysis and extended them to the realms of culture, history, politics, economics, and social psychology. Fundamental to this theoretical orientation (if it can be called that) is not merely the insistence that what sociologists call “structure” is intrinsically relational, but also, perhaps more deeply, that relational thinking is a way to overcome stale antinomies between structure and agency through a focus on the dynamics of social interactions in different kinds of social settings. In this chapter, I will explore the historical origins of this perspective and its positioning in broader intellectual networks. While a relational orientation has germinated in a number of

School Leadership, Social Justice and Immigration: Examining, Exploring and Extending Two Frameworks.

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore theoretical connections between educational leadership for social justice and support for immigration. The authors seek to identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for further study and improved practice. Design/methodology/approach This is a theoretical research paper that introduces, evaluates and expands two frameworks for understanding leadership and immigration. Findings Findings suggested that there is a need for educational leadership scholars to more purposefully investigate issues related to social justice and immigration. Originality/value This study offers a novel theoretical perspective on leadership, social justice and immigration.

Social action and power

Abstract: Introduction Part I: In Search of Action 1. Action and Behaviour 2. Action and Social System 3. Rationality and the Theory of Action 4. Action and Labour 5. Action and the Subject-Structure Relation 6. Action and Communication 7. Where to find Action Part II: Action as A Borderline Concept 1. The Reduction of Action to Meaning 2. Observance of Rules and Relation to Rules 3. The Revival of the Philosophy of Praxis 4. Life-World and Anonimous Intentionality 5. The Ontology of Understanding and the Hermeneutical Circle 6. Existential Phenomenology and Hermeneutic 7. Hermeneutic and Pragmatism Part III: General Categories of Action 1. Action and Desire 2. Insecurity and Identity 3. Action as Involvement: Care and Responsibility 4. Action and Transcendence Part IV: Power 1. Sociality and Normative Order 2. Inner Power 3. Outer Power 4. Structural Power and the Production of Inequality 5. Structural Power and Social System: the Crises of Power 6. Theories of Power and Theory of Action Part V: Problems of Method 1. Hermeneutic and Scientific Discourse 2. The Phenomenological Analysis of Action 3. Social Research in a Hermeneutical Perspective Part VI: Some Conclusions.