Interdisciplinary Network Analysis Methods for Analyzing Social Systems

The goal of this workshop is to introduce participants to interdisciplinary collaborations and conversations in network science that are advancing social justice research through the study of social structures. This workshop will bring together social scientists, digital humanists, computational scientists, and mathematicians with experience in network theory and network analysis in social systems. This workshop will also showcase how mixed methods research (which combines qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis) with multidisciplinary perspectives leads to deeper insights and more ethical and responsible approaches. Workshop organizers will lead tutorials in the mathematics of network theory, finding and working with network data, and qualitative methods for networks in the social sciences. We will emphasize and showcase the use of a critical lens throughout the process, from model building to data collection and analysis, connecting us to a broader dialogue about algorithmic justice and the potential benefits and pitfalls of mathematical models. Participants will also have the option to engage in virtual interdisciplinary working groups continuing after the workshop, focused on problems in application areas including community organizing, education, social media and information dissemination, and healthcare.