Notions of Position in Social Network Analysis

The notion of position is fundamental in structural theory. However, at least two profoundly different conceptions of position exist. The two basic types of position have radically different characteristics, making them appropriate for different theoretical applications. We present examples in which scholars have operationalized one type of position but drawn conclusions as if the other type had been used. We compare the two notions of position in terms of their applicability in several research areas, including power in exchange networks, role theory, world-system theory, and social homogeneity.