The Network Society : Manuel Castells

a presentation on the network society a theory given by Manuel Castells

1. The network society – Manuel castells Submitted to- Dr. Deepak Kumar Department of sociology and social anthropology Submitted by- yadwinder singh M.Phil. 1845103 Punjabi University, Patiala

2. introduction Castells argue that transformation in communication leads to the spread of globalisation and the development of new kind of society The Network Society. The concept of the network society is closely associated with interpretation of the social implications of globalization and the role of electronic communications technologies in society. The definition of a network society given by the foremost theorist of the concept, Manuel Castells is that it is ' a society whose social structure is made up of networks powered by micro-electronics-based information and communications technologies .' As Castells shows in his book, historically, there have always been social networks: the key factor that distinguishes the network society is that the use of ICTs helps to create and sustain far-flung networks in which new kinds of social relationships are created.

3. Continued… According to Castells, three processes led to the emergence of this new social structure in the late 20th century: T he restructuring of industrial economies to accommodate an open market approach The freedom-oriented cultural movements of the late 1960s and early 1970s, including the civil rights movement, the feminist movement and the environmental movement The revolution in information and communication technologies

4. nodes Networks involve multiple links between different Nodes Nodes are centres within communication networks that can both receive and send message. Individuals can be seen as nodes, but nodes can take non human forms as well – for example, communication centres, business or government departments.

5. Nature of networks Networks can stretch across National and Cultural Boundaries, no clear boundaries. They are interconnected with numerous other networks. Location of Power can be harder to pin down in networks. The horizontal connections within networks can make exercise of hierarchical authority more difficult. Social change also occurs easily in networks.

6. Digital communications The privatisation of internet, the development of new software, the increased capacity of telecommunication systems and penetration of internet into more and more aspects of social life have all led to globalisation Digital technology is also spreading in developing nations. There are now multiple ways of accessing the internet on a wide range of devices. New technology is unlike traditional mass media as involves interactive communications. Mass–Self Communication – communicating or interacting with large number of other people without the use of traditional mass media.

7. Continued… In this this process “spaces of virtual reality” has developed. In it individuals can lead virtual lives. Virtual reality does not only impact on the virtual world; it becomes linked to non-virtual reality in number of ways. Interactions have been increasingly hybridised, with distinction between real life and virtual life being blurred.

8. Space and time The globalisation resulting from the development of new technologies has led to ‘a transformation of space and time in the human experience’. He sees space being intangible and based on experience rather than on physical reality. Cities have developed as spaces where physical proximity can assist with the coordination of human activates. Castells calls physical proximity the Space of Contiguity.

9. Continued… Physical space is not the only way of exercising simultaneous interactions with other humans. Since the introduction of digital communications one can experience a sense of proximity through the use of messaging, skype, etc. This space castells calls the Space of Flows.

10. Continued… Physical Proximity, The Space of Contiguity, remains important and the world’s population is increasingly concentred in major metropolitan regions. This is partly because they are key centres or Nodes within global networks. Particular metropolitan areas have infrastructure to allow them to act as key centres to particular network. They provide the highly sophisticated communication necessary for the space of flows, and physical proximity necessary for the space of Contiguity. These nodes allow instantaneous global interaction.

11. Continued… Nodes are connected to the Nodes of global importance. Globalisation therefore simultaneously produces global networks and distinctive localities.

12. Continued… Castells argue that experience of time also changes in network society. In industrial age, clock was dominant as employers regulated the time that employees worked. But in network society Timeless Time is becoming more important. With timeless time the significance of time is eroded. People has to live using Flexi-Time moving between different regimes of time to deal with competing demands of time

13. conclusion By arguing that society primarily consists of networks, castells suggest that advanced globalisation require a new approach to sociological theory. If there are so many interconnections across the globe that do not respect national or institutional boundaries, then perhaps it is time the concept of ‘society’ is seen as secondary to the concept of networks.

14. References Ritzer,G . (2010) Sociological Theory . New Delhi: Rawat Publications. Castells,M . (2000) The Rise Of Network Society. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers. Haralambos & Halborn . (2011) Sociology Themes and Perspectives. New Delhi: Harper Collins.