The spatial topological vector of development of the social networks analysis

The paper focuses on bringing to light the foundations and mechanisms of applying social topology of space to studying such a direction of the network theory as the social network analysis. Giving pride of place to the configuration of locations of social objects in real and symbolic space, the space branch of social topology appears to be very close to SNA tasks aiming at the construction and subsequent study of network structures. The author claims that understanding the ontology of network objects as relationships between actors formed within the framework of the social network analysis implicitly contains the prerequisites for applying the principles of social topology. Meanwhile, the theory and practice of modeling the structures of social networks prove the application of topological tools as a representational device rather than an effective analytical lens. The main reason for involving the topology of space in this way is the obvious self-sustainability of a specially developed set of analytical tools allowing the study of network objects in the context of SNA interests. Nevertheless, it should be noted that even such optional use of space topology potential enables the researchers to find possible solutions to some key issues. This article reveals the sufficient theoretical limitations of the network analysis and its spatial topological vector by means of a thorough review of the main critical arguments put forward by sociologists and addressed to SNA supporters. Above all, these limitations are related to the statics of the constructs developed that fail to demonstrate the dynamics and semantic completeness of human links. The above mentioned theoretical inadequacy is thought of as one of the reasons for a peculiar split of network theory and stimulating its further development in alternative directions.

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