“Being able to receive at least what I give”: Resource sharing and hierarchy in the academic world of nanotechnology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/redc.2014.4.1144Keywords:
Tie strength, resource exchange, nanotechnology, hierarchy, habitusAbstract
In this study we investigate the academic field of nanotechnology for analyzing the relation between hierarchical positions occupied by researchers and the type of social ties and resource exchanges that they have with external partners. To do this, we use a theoretical multidisciplinary perspective of scientific collaborations, which combines the approach of networking and resource sharing (Granovetter, 1973, Lin, 2001) with a sociological approach to power relations (Bourdieu, 1997). Following the intuition of Nan Lin (2001), we conclude that the positions of researchers in institutional hierarchies are crucial to the way they access resources. Occupying an elevated position represents a sure and steady exchange of resources. This means always being able to receive at least the equivalent of what you give, in a playing field of academic power relations that is perpetuated over time.
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