On Dynamics

doi:10.1017/9781108878296.046

23 - On Dynamics

Personal Network Dynamics: Organizing Principles of Stability and Change from Complex Systems Theory

from IV - New Perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 October 2021

Brea L. Perry

Edited by

Mario L. Small ,

Brea L. Perry ,

Bernice Pescosolido and

Edward B. Smith

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Mario L. Small: Affiliation:
Harvard University, Massachusetts
Brea L. Perry: Affiliation:
Indiana University, Bloomington
Bernice Pescosolido: Affiliation:
Indiana University, Bloomington
Edward B. Smith: Affiliation:
Northwestern University, Illinois

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Summary

Research on personal social networks has focused increasingly on their dynamic nature. Social scientists across subfields have offered theories characterizing how, when, and why personal networks evolve, with applications to a range of populations, social conditions, and life course transitions. A persistent theme in this literature is the tension between stasis and adaptation. That is, personal social networks are characterized by remarkable structural stability and uniformity that belies a high degree of turnover at the level of interactions, individuals, and dyads. This chapter leverages core tenets of complex systems theories to provide insight into this paradox, arguing that personal networks operate in much the same way that complex adaptive systems do. In doing so, six organizing principles of personal network stability and change are offered: 1) Personal social networks serve a critical, unified function; 2) Personal networks adapt to dynamic and uncertain environments; 3) Personal networks are comprised of interconnected subgroups that have distinct, but complimentary functions; 4) Personal networks exhibit a hierarchical structure; 5) The structure of personal networks is relatively stable, while network membership is more dynamic and unpredictable; and 6) The dynamics underlying personal networks are nonlinear. Theoretical and methodological implications are discussed.

Keywords

social network dynamics complex adaptive systems functional specificity core/periphery structure membership turnover tie churn

Type: Chapter
Information: Personal Networks
Classic Readings and New Directions in Egocentric Analysis
, pp. 612 - 629

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108878296.046 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2021

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