Social geometry
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Social geometry is a theoretical strategy of sociological explanation, invented by Donald Black, which uses a multi-dimensional model to explain variations in the behavior of social life. In Black's own use and application of the idea, social geometry is an instance of Pure Sociology.
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[edit] Variables
While social geometry might entail other elements as well (or instead), Black's own explanation of the model includes five variable aspects: horizontal/morphological (the extent and frequency of interaction among participants), vertical (the unequal distribution of resources), corporate (the degree of organization, or of integration of individuals into organizations), cultural (the amount and frequency of symbolic expressions), and normative (the amount of stigma for having been subjected to instances of social control). Black refers to this multi-dimensional amalgam as "social space".
[edit] Precursors
Each element of Black's model is arguably an extension of part of something earlier in Sociology. For example, vertical space is reminiscent of Marxist concerns, morphology of Durkheim, and culture perhaps of Bourdieu. Several aspects of Black's approach differ from those previous theorists. First, they emphasized a largely unidimensional model: Marx, for example, emphasized solely economic status (and derivatives of it, from base to superstructure) while Durkheim and Weber de-emphasized economic differentiation. Second, by including multiple dimensions, Black's model allows for consideration of each variable while holding others constant (that is, they hold under a condition of ceteris parabis). Further, the inclusion of these variables within the same models allows for the possibility of both interaction effects between variables as well as correlation between them, with any one variable being used to explain any other. (Black himself uses each of the dimensions to explain variation in normative behavior.)
[edit] Measurements
The model allows for several different kinds of measurement along these dimensions. First, location: For example, any case (individual, group, etc.) can be located in vertical space by their wealth. Second, distance: For example, any two cases (individuals, organizations, etc.) can be measured according to their relative wealth. Third, direction: Law, for example, is more likely in a downward direction (from a wealthier case to a less wealthy one) than upward (the reverse).
[edit] References
- 1976. The Behavior of Law. {introduces the five aspects of Black's model of social space}
- 1998. The Social Structure of Right and Wrong. (Revised Edition, original edition 1993) {extends the model to address variable aspects of additional empirical matters}
