A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Who argued that social networks have become the main centre of power in the digital age?

1. Castells

2. Althusser

3. Marx

4. Beck

The correct answer is: Castells

The argument that social networks have become the main centre of power in the digital age is rooted in the theories proposed by Manuel Castells. His work emphasizes the transformative impact of communication technologies on social structures and power dynamics. Castells posits that in the network society, social networks serve as the primary means through which power is exercised and mobilized. In his analysis, he highlights how these networks, facilitated by digital platforms, allow for the rapid dissemination of information and the formation of collective identities. This shift represents a departure from traditional power structures that were often centralized and hierarchical. Instead, power now flows through decentralized networks that can influence societal change and political movements, exemplifying the notion that in the digital age, connectivity is synonymous with power. Other theorists, such as Althusser and Marx, focus more on how ideology and class structures influence society, while Beck discusses risk society and reflexive modernization without framing it specifically around social networks as a new center of power. Thus, Castells stands out for his specific emphasis on the role of digital communication in shaping contemporary power dynamics.