Structure and Emergence: Reflections on the Sociology of Harrison C. White

This book explores the pioneering work of influential American sociologist Harrison C. White, known for his contributions to social network analysis, the sociology of culture, and economic sociology. It highlights his many insights that have reshaped how we understand the broader foundations of sociology. White’s theories reach well beyond technical methods: they offer a general vision of how social structures form, evolve, and give rise to new social formations.

The authors, who have co-authored with White, translated his writings, or deeply engaged with his ideas in their own research, provide a thorough yet accessible discussion of his work, particularly Identity and Control. They show how White’s relational approach illuminates fundamental sociological questions about identity, meaning, and control, and how his concepts help us grasp the dynamic processes through which social formations such as institutions or styles emerge.

The book will appeal to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in sociology, the history and epistemology of the social sciences, network analysis, and interdisciplinary studies, as well as to scholars and professionals in fields such as economics, political science, and organizational studies. It will also interest members of academic associations and research institutions, and practitioners concerned with the dynamics of social networks and the emergence of collective forms.

Alain Degenne was a research director at CNRS and founded the Laboratory for Secondary Analysis and Methods Applied to Sociology (LASMAS-IdL), France. He is now an independent researcher.

Frédéric Godart is a Full Professor of Organizational Behavior at INSEAD, France.

Michel Grossetti is a Director at CNRS and EHESS, France.