Gianluca Manzo 
Analytical Sociology [PDF ebook] 
Actions and Networks

Demonstrates the power of the theoretical framework of
analytical sociology in
explaining a large array of social phenomena
Analytical Sociology: Actions and Networks presents the
most advanced theoretical discussion of analytical sociology, along
with a unique set of examples on mechanism-
based sociology. Leading scholars apply the theoretical principles
of analytical sociology
to understand how puzzling social and historical phenomena
including crime, lynching,
witch-hunts, tax behaviours, Web-based social movement and
communication,
restaurant reputation, job search and careers, social network
homophily and instability, cooperation and trust are brought about
by complex, multi-layered social mechanisms. The analyses
presented in this book rely on a wide range of methods which
include qualitative observations, advanced statistical techniques,
complex network tools, refined simulation methods and creative
experimental protocols.
This book ultimately demonstrates that sociology, like any other
science, is at its best
when it dissects the mechanisms at work by means of rigorous model
building and
testing.
Analytical Sociology:
* Provides the most complete and up-to-date theoretical
treatment of analytical sociology.
* Looks at a wide range of complex social phenomena
within a single and unitary theoretical framework.
* Explores a variety of advanced methods to build and
test theoretical models.
* Examines how both computational modelling and
experiments can be used
to study the complex relation between norms, networks and social
actions.
* Brings together research from leading global experts
in the field in order to
present a unique set of examples on mechanism-based
sociology.
Advanced graduate students and researchers working in sociology,
methodology of social sciences, statistics, social networks
analysis and computer simulation will benefit from this book.

About the author