How Do Fields Change? The Interrelations of Institutions, Networks, and Cognition in the Dynamics of Markets

Abstract

Sociological approaches to the economy identify three types of social structures relevant for the explanation of economic outcomes: social networks, institutions, and cognitive frames. This article contributes to the development of a framework which aims at an integrated perspective on the social structuring of markets and their dynamics. Based on the field concept, the article discusses the interrelations between the three types of structures as a source of the dynamics of markets. Bringing the complex and possibly contradictory character of the different social structures to the center of attention highlights spaces for innovation which are anchored in the social organization of markets but remain obscure in approaches that focus on only one of the structures. The simultaneous inclusion of social networks, institutions, and cognitive frames makes it possible to address how actors employ resources gained from one of these structures in the field to reconfigure other parts of the social structure in a way favorable to their goals

Exploring Identifications in the Transnational Social Sphere: The Potential of Social Fields

“…Further, the concept of transnational social fields allows an understanding of the transnational context of the different dimensions of social fields relating to cognitive frames, institutional rules and relational topographies of networks (Beckert, 2010). It reveals how constant border crossing (physical or imaginary), transnational social interaction and institutions, and the life experiences of an individual from the past and other national or local environments make sense of the present and the self.…”

“…It also refers to micro-macro phenomena in the social reality and thus enables a more integrative perspective on social processes and social change. The unit of analysis can thus be simultaneously composed of social networks and other social forces and individuals or collective agents (Fligstein, 2001;Fløysand and Jakobsen, 2007;Beckert, 2010). It is also a useful concept for exploring identifications in a social world where social, economic and cultural connectivity has increased, and the nature of individual consciousness, people's motivation to pursue their ends and the extent of their freedom from external influences have become a challenging theoretical and empirical task.…”

Modeling and Evaluation of the Possibilities of Forming a Regional Industrial Symbiosis Networks

“…Social aspects in IS also involve groups, industries to exchange by products and sharing utility, and interactions among actors (Beckert 2010). Social platforms (e.g., environments/social clubs/associations etc.)…”

“…Sheared meaning structures might be incorporated in the notion of institution and therefore cognitive frames are not explicitly distinguished (Beckert 2010).…”

“…Networks are social relations (personal or organizational) between market actors (producers, consumers, suppliers, regulators, workers) and express the mental maps and the structure of the existing social relations (Beckert 2010).…”