Network+Society



=Definition=

The term Network Society was coined by Jan van Dijk in his Dutch book entitled "The Network Society", and by Manuel Castell in the first part of his trilogy "The Information Age". James Martin also used the related term "The Wired Society" to indicate a society that is connected by mass communication networks.

Network society as proclaimed by Manuel Castells is a society that goes beyond the information society. The network society is part of Manuel Castells analysis of the modern society, which in his definition is not just defined by technology, but cultural, economical and political factors that construct the //network society//.

According to Manuel Castell, the network society has been formed from the convergence of three independent processes:
 * 1) The IT (information technology) revolution which allows the existence of the network society.
 * 2) Restructuring of capitalism in the 1980s
 * 3) Cultural social movements of the 60’s that lead to the 70’s repercussion such as feminist movements.

See Also:
An Introduction to the Information Age (A Summary)

Manuel Castells on the Network Society, by John Huckle,   Unknown Author, Wikipedia Feb 28, 2006 
 * Source:**