Political Networks: The Structural Perspective (Hardcover)

David Knoke

ISBN 10: 0521375525 / ISBN 13: 9780521375528

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2003

About this Item

Hardcover. This book examines almost two decades of research using the structural or network approach to political behavior. Network analysis begins with the assumption that the most important elements of political power are the relationships of influence and domination among social actors. Influence is the exchange of information about preferences and intentions; domination is the exchange of material sanctions to reward or punish compliance with commands. By examining the confluence of these two networks, analysts can develop a structural picture of the political process. David Knoke provides an overview of the work already done in the structural analysis of politics and the directions it will take in the future. Topics covered include voting decisions, social movements, formal organizations, community power systems, national elites and the world system of nation-states. Theoretical conceptualizations, empirical findings and topical research agendas are discussed in each of these areas. This book examines almost two decades of research using the structural or network approach to political behavior. Network analysis begins with the assumption that the most important elements of political power are the relationships of influence and domination among social actors. Influence is the exchange of information about preferences and intentions; domination is the exchange of material sanctions to reward or punish compliance with commands. By examining the confluence of these two networks, analysts can develop a structural picture of the political process. David Knoke provides an overview of the work already done in the structural analysis of politics and the directions it will take in the future. Topics covered include voting decisions, social movements, formal organizations, community power systems, national elites and the world system of nation-states. Theoretical conceptualizations, empirical findings and topical research agendas are discussed in each of these areas. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780521375528

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Political Networks: The Structural Perspective (Hardcover)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521375525
• ISBN 13: 9780521375528
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

This book examines almost two decades of research using the structural or network approach to political behaviour. Network analysis begins with the assumption that the most important elements of political power are the relationships of influence and domination among social actors. Influence is exchange of information about preferences and intentions; domination is the exchange of material sanctions to reward or punish compliance with commands. By examining the confluence of these two networks, analysts can develop a structural picture of the political process.

Review

'Knoke displays a gift for efficient summary and judicious characterization, and he knows the territory ... The book is a natural addition to graduate or advanced undergraduate politics syllabi and will be useful for introducing network analysis in organizations classes ... there is no better introduction.' Paul DiMaggio, Administrative Science Quarterly

'Knoke's book fills an important gap in the political science literature by presenting the network concept as part of a coherent theoretical perspective ... Knoke's work is highly readable and the relevant fundamentals of network methodology are included in a short appendix ... [this] book deserves a wide audience among theoretically oriented political scientists.' American Political Science Review