Understanding Social Networks: Theories, Concepts, and Findings

Despite the swift spread of social network concepts and their applications and the rising use of network analysis in social science, there is no book that provides a thorough general introduction for the serious reader. Understanding Social Networks fills that gap by explaining the big ideas that underlie the social network phenomenon. Written for those interested in this fast moving area but who are not mathematically inclined, it covers fundamental concepts, then discusses networks and their core themes in increasing order of complexity. Kadushin demystifies the concepts, theories, and findings developed by network experts. He selects material that serves as basic building blocks and examples of best practices that will allow the reader to understand and evaluate new developments as they emerge. Understanding Social Networks will be useful to social scientists who encounter social network research in their reading, students new to the network field, as well as managers, marketers, and others who constantly encounter social networks in their work.

About the Author :
Charles Kadushin is Distinguished Scholar at the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies and Visiting Research Professor of Sociology at Brandeis University and Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the CUNY Graduate Center. He is the author of seven books, including The American Intellectual Elite and Books: The Culture and Commerce of Publishing.

Review :
"[I]ntegrates the history, theories, and substantive applications of social network analysis... should be especially accessible to neophytes... Despite the nontechnical treatment, Kadushin encompasses deep analytic coverage and broad empirical research...The final chapter summarizes the conceptual tour de force in 'Ten Master Ideas of Social Networks.'" --David Knonke, Contemporary Sociology "Finally! A sociologically informed and compelling introduction to social network analysis by one of the giants of the field. While there has been dramatic recent growth in the study of networks, new entrants often miss much of the rich history and compelling social theory that has been the field's foundation. This book represents an introduction to networks for social scientists and students looking to learn the 'why' of social network analysis, rather than computational detail. An all-around gem that should take a canonical place in social network courses." --James Moody, Duke University "Social networks are more than Facebook or a set of methods. Charles Kadushin is a veteran in thinking about what social networks do and what they mean. This thoughtful book provides a host of knowledge about how social networks operate in small groups, organizations and throughout society. Kadushin's ten master ideas distill the essence of social networks." --Barry Wellman, S.D. Clark Professor of Sociology, University of Toronto "In Understanding Social Networks Charles Kadushin dispels the myth that social network research is simply methodology. The book is chock full of ideas that lay out vast terrains ripe for future research and exploration. All of the ideas are buttressed with historical documentation and developed within the context of existing social, psychological, economic, and other theories. Bravo!" --Thomas Valente, University of Southern California "Charles Kadushin is one of the sociologists who pioneered social network analysis and he has continued to make stimulating, thoughtful contributions. His new book provides a lucid, revealing introduction to the basic ideas and findings of the social networks field." --Claude S. Fischer, University of California, Berkeley "He now caps a distinguished scholarly career with an exposition that integrates the history, theories, and substantive applications of social network analysis. ... Through his numerous insights into the origins and evolution of social network analysis over the past half century, Charles Kadushin demonstrates once again the deep wisdom of that great public philosopher, Yogi Berra, who noted, "You can observe a lot by watching." --Contemporary Sociology "Kadushin is clearly a seasoned master in social network analysis, and this book is proof of his ability to continue to be relevant in the field... The book is fabulously concise, which will be appreciated by instructors who wish to assign supplementary reading to their students... Highly recommended." --CHOICE