Network Analysis and Health Inequalities: A Methodological Introduction

Abstract

Abstract“Networks” seem to be omnipresent in modern societies (e.g., networking, online social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, or even criminal and terrorist networks), but the term and its meaning in everyday life often remain amorphous. In order to be able to work with the concept in a scientifically adequate way, this chapter introduces the term “social network,” different forms of network analysis, and survey and data evaluation strategies. What follows is a short overview of different methods and important literature references are given, which can be referred to in more detail, if necessary.

Leverage point themes within Dutch municipalities’ healthy weight approaches: A qualitative study from a systems perspective

“…Therefore, a well-connected network is desirable where professionals work together in an accessible way on, for instance, shared goals and knowledge exchange. Previous social network research also has indicated that connectivity between professionals from various domains is desirable, as a social network is a way through which exchange of, for instance, knowledge takes place [e.g., 42,43]. Moreover, social network theories refer to linking pins as actors with a high level of centrality, indicating that one professional has the most or closest relationships with other professionals [43].…”

“…Previous social network research also has indicated that connectivity between professionals from various domains is desirable, as a social network is a way through which exchange of, for instance, knowledge takes place [e.g., 42,43]. Moreover, social network theories refer to linking pins as actors with a high level of centrality, indicating that one professional has the most or closest relationships with other professionals [43]. It is thus recommended that every HWA has stakeholders that function as linking pins who stimulate others to work on the HWA (LP).…”