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Networks as Culturally Constituted Processes

A Comparison of Relational Sociology and Actor-network Theory

Social Science Research Center, Berlin, muetzel{at}wzb.eu

This article connects two current, typically separate strands in network thinking that treat ‘culture’ and ‘structure’ as intermingled rather than as autonomous entities of a duality. It reviews and compares two different traditions, the ‘cultural turn’ in social network analysis and actor-network theory, which both view networks as culturally constituted processes. The article argues that the two approaches share many conceptual similarities, although important differences remain. They differ on what kinds of actors ascribe meaning to others. Furthermore, the article argues that some conceptual similarities have turned into methodological points of convergence in data analysis. The article suggests economic sociology as one possible area of research where the two approaches productively connect.

Key Words: actor-network theory • culture • network theory • relational sociology

Current Sociology, Vol. 57, No. 6, 871-887 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0011392109342223


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