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Theoretical Background

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The Impact of Networks on Unemployment

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Abstract

This chapter considers how theories contextualise our understanding of network impact. There are no exclusive theories or agreed set of values with which we can judge network impact. However, if a theory’s scope is too narrow, speculative or lacks reality, the impact explanation may be distorted or trivialised in causal terms. While network literature reveres collaboration and trust, these facets cannot regulate individualism, labour coordination or economic demand. Section 1 links network performance to theoretical traditions. Section 2 reviews the roles of network structure (conditions for agency), agency (actors’ behaviour and interactions) and network processes (namely network governance and network management). In conclusion, network theories appear to elevate managerial culture; professional practice, performance and interaction supporting political discourse and the contagion effect of ideologies more than socioeconomic outcomes for localities.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The sociological network tradition is reviewed in Scott (1991: 7–16), Mizruchi and Galaskiewicz (1994: 230–1) and Kilduff and Tsai (2003: 3–4, 35–65). Also see Wasserman and Faust (1994: 4–17), and for a literature review, see Berry et al. (2004) and Klijn and Koppenjan (2012).

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    J. M. Hurst

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Hurst, J.M. (2016). Theoretical Background. In: The Impact of Networks on Unemployment. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-66890-8_2

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