University Social Structure and Social Networks Among Scientists

Abstract

Findings are presented that describe the pattern of research communication among faculty in the six physical science departments of an elite American university. The findings provide a basis for modifying and extending Peter Blau's analysis of the relationship between university social structure and the pattern of communication among university faculty. Blau regards the formation of integrative multidisciplinary social networks within university communities as highly problematic; he suggests that academic departments are the primary site of integrative social networks within universities. My findings suggest that academic departments are not appropriate units for describing the pattern of research communication among university faculty, at least in the physical sciences, and that university social structure can foster an integrative social network which is multidisciplinary in composition. Proposals are introduced that relate facets of university social structure to the formation of integrative multidisciplinary social networks. A perspective on the role of universities in fostering the coherence of the scientific elite is outlined.