Les réseaux et les études byzantines
abstract
The introduction to the plenary session on networks focuses first of all on a history of the use of networks in the human sciences, starting with sociometry, then sociology and anthropology, to improve calculation procedures and transform them into representation. First in the family context, then in work relationships, camaraderie and friendship. Network analysis facilitates the study of conflicts and power relations. The behaviour and attitudes of an actor can be interpreted according to his or her structural position in the network. Given the importance of anthropology in historical analysis, the study of networks extends naturally to history.
Keywords: Power relations • Sociology • Conflicts • Sociometry • Anthropology