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Political Sociology Of Social Networks

Key information

  • Module code:

    6SSPP357

  • Level:

    6

  • Semester:

      Autumn

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

This module introduces students to the study of political influence within social networks, both real-live networks and networks that connect citizens online. It starts by questioning the assumption underlying classical rational choice theory that citizens take political decisions in isolation. Instead, we are looking at how citizens’ social environment, family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, influence their political decisions. While citizens often choose to be close to others that are similar to them, a mechanism, which is known as sorting or selection, citizens also change their attitudes and behaviours because they interact with other citizens. But how can we be confident that citizens really influence each other’s decisions? During the semester, students will read some of the foundational works that define the social citizen from a theoretical perspective, learn about the different theoretical mechanisms through which social influence may be exerted, and gain knowledge about different methods that can be applied to identify causal effects within various types of social networks.

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.