Network
A social organization whose structure resembles an openwork fabric or composition in form or concept, especially:
- A complex, interconnected group or system;
- An association of people drawn together by common relation or interest;
- An extended group of people or entities with similar interests or concerns who interact and remain in informal contact for mutual assistance or support.
The term “social network” was first coined by London School of Economics professor J. A. Barnes in the 1950s, who defined the size of a social network as a group of about 100 to 150 people.[1]
(For some definitions of terms distinguishing types of collective action such as alliance, coalition, collective, movement and network, click here.)
[1] J. A. Barnes, “Class and Committees in a Norwegian Island Parish,” Human Relations No. 7, pp. 39–58 (1954).
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