The Relational Approach and the Analysis of Social Networks in Historical Studies and Colonial Historiography. The Case of the Nuevo Reino de Granada

Abstract

The relational approach and the social networks analysis were developed over 70 years ago; although they are used as a theoretical and methodological approach in anthropology and sociology, their use in history is relatively recent. This article presents the application of this approach in history and the premises that should be considered when used in the field of historical research. These premises are the outcome of the review of the pioneering works in this area, f the reading of the authors who are key references for research in social networks in Ibero-America, and of the review of the works conducted in Colombia in the last decade, and are a key tool for researchers who want to start on this path. The application of the study of social networks in the field of history is changing the way of looking at social dynamics over time and is providing new knowledge that will allow us to write a new chapter of our history.