Network analysis and actor-centred approach — A critical review

Abstract

The paper refers to the application of actor-centred analytical approaches in forest development policy science. These approaches relate to the analytical features of actors, power, networks as well as formal and informal interests, defined also in Krott's analytical approach. Examples for a methodological framework and methods applied in analytical forest development policy research, are given from the author's own approach. In this paper, the author first anchors these analytical approaches in overall social science research and distincts them from other schools (table). He focuses then, in the ‘methodological discussion’, on how networks, are being perceived in various ways, by different schools, and on the limitations and risks appearing in the development and application of network approaches. The paper provides guidance on how to deal with these limitations and how to apply (analytical) network approaches. Finally conclusions are drawn on how analytical (network) approaches could be further developed or improved.