Friends and social networks
Role Structures
• Roles involve a set of obligations and
expectations
• Roles are a constraint on conduct
• At any given time, we may occupy
several roles
• Our conception of who we are is shaped
by our interactions with others and by
our understandings of who they are
Exchange theory
Evans-Pritchard and the Nuer
Exchange theory
Dyadic exchange, roles, and
social integration
Solidarity
From
equality
Solidarity
From
Roles
(asymmetry)
Exchange theory
Exchange and social solidarity



It turns out that Adam Smith was right
(exchange does produce social stability)
But for the wrong reason.
Economic exchange is not sufficient; only social
exchange produces social roles




Norm of reciprocity
Ambiguity over valuation
Problem of timing
Tendency to escalate
Exchange theory
Beyond dyads: Structures of
social exchange
Reciprocity
Redistribution
Exchange theory
Reciprocity



The Kula Ring
Economic and ritual
exchange
Reciprocal trade of shells
(soulava) and armbands
(mwali)
Exchange theory
Redistribution
Exchange theory
UW Common Book





What’s your
impression of this
book?
Did you ever talk
to anyone about
it?
Did you read it?
If so, why?
If not, why not?
Thoughts about next year


Types of books
Types of Activities

Sociological benefits of reading a book in
common

Obstacles to Effective implementation
Next: Electronic communication
and networks