Re-thinking Social Networks: Qualitative Network Analysis, Conceptual Reflexivity and the Presentation of the Networked-Self
A BSA Social Network Analysis Study Group (SNAG) Seminar
4 October 2024 (4:00-5:30pm)
Online
About the Event
A SNAG Online seminar with:
- Professor Alessio D’Angelo (University of Derby) and Professor Louise Ryan (London Metropolitan University)
- Discussant: Professor Betina Hollstein (University of Bremen).
In recent years Social Network Analysis has become a key conceptual and methodological framework within the social sciences - and increasingly in fields such as migration research.
The rise of Big Data and computational capabilities have enabled complex analysis and visualisations of whole networks, with a predominance of quantitative approaches and an overall tendency to focus more on issues of network structure and the generation of data than on how data can be interpreted and analyses qualitatively in practice.
How can we research, understand and visualise dynamic personal ties over space and time? To what extent should we treat network data as network maps as opposed to network narratives? How can we disentangle issues of meaning-making and inter-personal relationalities behind network data?
These are some of the questions that Prof Alessio D’Angelo and Prof Louise Ryan have been exploring over the last decade. During that time, they have produced a trilogy of papers:
- Ryan, L., & D’Angelo, A. (2018). Changing times: Migrants’ social network analysis and the challenges of longitudinal research. Social Networks, 53, 148-158.
- D’Angelo, A., & Ryan, L. (2021). The presentation of the networked self: Ethics and epistemology in social network analysis. Social Networks, 67, 20-28.
- D'Angelo, A., & Ryan, L. (2024). Qualitative analysis of migrants' network data: Using conceptual reflexivity to reveal the ‘magic trick’. International Migration.
In this online seminar, they will build on these and other publications to present their reflexive approach to researching and analysing network data, with a particular focus on qualitative and mixed methods and examples informed by migration research and beyond.
The discussant, Prof Betina Holstein, has also been publishing on social network analysis for many years and she will share her insights and reflections on the themes of the seminar.
Registration
This event is free to attend but registration is required.