Unveiling the Networks of Early Women Sociologist Researchers: Mapping the Path to Canon Reconstruction

Ferrari, Chiara

This presentation is part of a larger project titled “Gendering Sociology: Proposal for Research and Teaching,” which seeks to recover the contributions of Early Women Sociologists (EWS), often overlooked or marginalised in the – often androcentric - sociological canon. The initial phase of this research involves mapping the researchers that focus on studying these women as part of an effort to reconstruct the field’s history.

The mapping research aims to unravel the knowledge construction networks through which it is possible to create a more inclusive and less sexist sociological canon. Additionally, by analyzing the network structure of EWS researchers and exploring how individuals are connected, it is possible to understand the nature and strength of their ties, identify the most influential participants, and determine which nodes serve as bridges between different groups.

The project targets researchers active between 1980 and 2024, focusing on those who study sociological contributions by women from 1800 to 1920. The research process follows two main steps:

Desk Identification of Researchers: This step involves a scoping review of literature in multiple languages, using databases (Scopus and Web of Science) and examining existing networks and projects.

Mapping Questionnaire Distribution: A mapping questionnaire has been sent to researchers identified in the first step and through official sociological associations. In the mapping questionnaire, respondents are asked to provide the names of other important experts on EWS in order to collect further “nodes” of the collaboration networks. Once the new nodes are identified, the mapping questionnaire is also administered to these new individuals. Responses from both rounds of questionnaires are analysed to map the structure, influence, and connections within the network.

At the time of submission, the project is collecting data through questionnaires. The initial results gathered from the questionnaire will then be presented using social network analysis techniques.