Network Sociology: Discipline Positioning and Issues

Author: Huang Shaohua, Zhai Benrui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Over twenty years ago, I had an almost obsessive research interest in sociological theory. Following a unique opportunity in my studies, I spent five years extensively reading various works by Weber (M. Weber). I not only went to great lengths to find English translations of all Weber's works and articles both domestically and internationally but also took time to study German to ensure I could verify the true meaning of the original texts. During these five years, Weber was the center of my life and studies: majoring in economics in university brought me close to Weber professionally; participating in interdisciplinary integration seminars and reading Western socio-economic history for three and a half years every week to get closer to Weber's analysis of the Western world; attending theological seminaries to study Greek exegesis and Old and New Testament theology to understand Christian doctrines; auditing four years of courses in the philosophy department (institute) to grasp the spirit of Weber's neo-Kantianism; and reading Western legal history with such fascination to understand Weber's discussions on sociological jurisprudence—to the point that I still think I was quite obsessive! Everything about Weber's works, including their publication dates, intellectual genealogies, and errors in English translations, was deeply ingrained in my mind, becoming what Polanyi (Michael Polanyi) called "Tacit Knowledge." Back then, I was determined to become an expert on Weber, investing countless efforts. The two massive volumes of Economy and Society were thoroughly read in discussion classes, and some of Weber's works were even read more than five times, with no topic untouched.
The proliferation of the internet has brought more social issues, and sociological research on the internet will constitute network sociology. Network sociology will not just be a research field or orientation within sociology but may become the most important, or even the only, research orientation in sociology. It has the potential to rewrite the history and foundations of sociological research in the 21st century. In this book, the authors specifically elaborate on the disciplinary positioning and research scope of network sociology.