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Structures, Networks and Processes: Routledge Studies in the Economics of

Joseph Heller

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Published in The Dynamics Of Local Innovation Systems: Structures Networks And Processes (Routledge Studies In The Economics Of Innovation)

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Structures, Networks and Processes is a new book in the Routledge Studies in the Economics of series. It explores the latest research in economic sociology and focuses on how power and inequality are produced through social networks.

The Dynamics of Local Innovation Systems: Structures, Networks and Processes (Routledge Studies in the Economics of Innovation)

by Stephen M.R. Covey

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2285 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	120 pages

The book is divided into three parts. The first part, "Structures," examines the role of social structure in shaping economic outcomes. The second part, "Networks," looks at the role of networks in generating and maintaining inequality. The third part, "Processes," examines the dynamic processes that shape economic outcomes.

The book is a valuable resource for scholars and students of economic sociology. It provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in the field and offers new insights into the relationship between social networks and economic outcomes.

Part 1: Structures

The first part of the book, "Structures," examines the role of social structure in shaping economic outcomes. The chapters in this section explore how social structures such as class, race, and gender shape individuals' access to resources and opportunities.

One of the key themes in this section is the concept of "social closure." Social closure refers to the process by which social groups exclude outsiders from access to resources and opportunities. Social closure can occur through a variety of mechanisms, such as discrimination, nepotism, and cronyism.

The chapters in this section provide a detailed analysis of the role of social closure in shaping economic outcomes. They show how social closure can lead to inequality in access to jobs, housing, and education. They also show how social closure can contribute to the perpetuation of poverty and discrimination.

Part 2: Networks

The second part of the book, "Networks," looks at the role of networks in generating and maintaining inequality. The chapters in this section explore how networks provide individuals with access to resources and opportunities.

One of the key themes in this section is the concept of "social capital." Social capital refers to the benefits that individuals derive from their social networks. Social capital can include access to information, resources, and emotional support.

The chapters in this section provide a detailed analysis of the role of social capital in shaping economic outcomes. They show how social capital can lead to inequality in access to jobs, housing, and education. They also show how social capital can contribute to the perpetuation of poverty and discrimination.

Part 3: Processes

The third part of the book, "Processes," examines the dynamic processes that shape economic outcomes. The chapters in this section explore how social networks and social structures interact to produce economic inequality.

One of the key themes in this section is the concept of "path dependence." Path dependence refers to the process by which past events shape future outcomes. In the context of economic inequality, path dependence refers to the process by which past inequalities are perpetuated through social networks and social structures.

The chapters in this section provide a detailed analysis of the role of path dependence in shaping economic outcomes. They show how past inequalities can lead to future inequalities through a variety of mechanisms. They also show how path dependence can make it difficult to achieve economic equality.

Structures, Networks and Processes is a valuable resource for scholars and students of economic sociology. It provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research in the field and offers new insights into the relationship between social networks and economic outcomes. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the role of social structure in shaping economic inequality.

The Dynamics of Local Innovation Systems: Structures, Networks and Processes (Routledge Studies in the Economics of Innovation)

by Stephen M.R. Covey

4.6 out of 5