Social network analysis in agricultural economics: progress, challenges and prospects of an integrated methodology

Rui Mao, Yu Gan and Xiaohua Yu

China Agricultural Economic Review, 2025, vol. 18, issue 1, 199-215

Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this review is to demonstrate to what extent the method of social network analysis (SNA) has been integrated into agricultural economics and how it has reformed the characterization and utilization of interpersonal interactions in agricultural decision-making.Design/methodology/approachThrough the lens of network information diffusion and aggregation mechanisms, this study describes the typical macro- and micro-network structures incorporated in social network models and establishes a mapping to identify the key structural elements that characterize these channels. This study then performs a meta-analysis of publications in top field journals during the past 2 decades to unveil four major thematic groups. In each thematic group, this study provides an in-depth review of the integration between SNA and the conventional empirical approach in data collection, identification and interpretation. Achievements and limitations of the current literature are finally discussed to provide future directions to promote the integration of SNA in agricultural economics.FindingsThis study shows that the root of social network effects can be characterized by information set changes, and SNA has enabled agricultural economists to capture such changes with unique data collection, modeling and identification tools.Originality/valueThis paper reveals the latest methodological progress that embeds SNA over the empirical course of agricultural economic studies and extends the scope of interpersonal social networks to those of firms, organizations and trading partners.

Keywords: Social network analysis (SNA); Resource allocation; Knowledge and risk sharing; Technology adoption; Organization and trade (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:caerpp:caer-11-2024-0417

DOI: 10.1108/CAER-11-2024-0417

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