Further Reading
Social Networks
'Dynamic Spread of Happiness in Large Social Networks', Fowler and Christakis, BMJ 2008A longitudinal networks analysis which evaluates whether happiness can spread from person to person and if niches of happiness form in social networks.
'Do web networks work in real world?', Nico Macdonald, RSA Journal 2008
Nico Macdonald FRSA discusses whether online debate can translate into offline action.
'Quantum Theory of Trust', Karen Stephenson, Strategy and Business 2002
An explanation of how networks drive learning and build or undermine values in organisations.
'Principles for networked innovation' (PDF, 326KB), Sophia Parker and Ellie Ford
An evaluation of the RSA's Fellows Networks one year on. This initiative was set up to help Fellows use online social networks to work more effectively offline.
Social Capital
Understanding Communities: a review of networks, ties and contacts (external PDF), Andy Clark, University of Leeds, May 2007
An overview of the different methods of studying social networks and relationships, and an outline of the debates about the changing interpretation of “community”.
An overview of the different methods of studying social networks and relationships, and an outline of the debates about the changing interpretation of “community”.
IBM research on use of social software in workplace (external PDF), Joan DiMicco et al, 2008
A study of why and how people use IBM’s inhouse social networking site, and what impact it has had on the workplace.
Social Capital and Mental Health, McKenzie et al., 2002
An outline of the evidence that the amount and type of social capital in a community can affect the individual and collective mental health of its members. In particular it looks at how a community’s vertical social capital and ability to take meaningful action affects mental health.
Social Capital, David Halpern, 2004
A broad but thorough introduction to the major strands of social capital theory, and very accessible to those who have no prior knowledge of this area. Sections on micro-, meso- and macro-level work explore how social capital affects economic, social and physical wellbeing.
'Why Does Social Capital Matter?' (external PDF), David Halpern, 2002
A presentation to the Innovation and Strategy Unit which outlines why social capital matters to social policy, and how understanding it can improve the effectiveness of government interventions.
'A Matter Of Respect', David Halpern, Prospect July 2005
With membership of traditional social institutions in decline, our norms and networks of reciprocity are undergoing transformation. Halpern looks at the qualitative differences between what our old forms of belonging and new ones such as campaigning organisations, and what it means for our trust in one another and in our institutions.
Research Methods
'Actions and Networks: Sociology That Matters (To Me)', Peter Hedstrom, Sociologica 2005
The eminent sociologist’s explanation of his mechanism-based approach; that is, a research approach which starts with a substantive problem and seeks relevant data, theories and methods to apply to it.
The Romantic Economist, Richard Bronk, 2009
Since economic activity is a function of our imaginations and social sentiments as much as rational preference, should we not conduct economic research that takes account of our social networks and creativity?
Community Regeneration
What makes community? Edited by Dave Clements et al, 2008
A collection of short, punchy essays arguing that communities are alive and thriving, but not under government control.
The Well-Connected Community, Alison Gilchrist, 2009 (published July)
A guide to using theories of social capital and social change for practitioners, in particular looking at how network models can be used in community development work.
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