Structural Balance, Mechanical Solidarity, and Interpersonal Relations

Abstract

Balance theory, a theoretical system developed by Cartwright and Harary to formalize concepts set forth by Heider, is used with slight modifications to restate fifty-six sociological and social-psychological propositions from the writings of Berelson, Lazarsfeld, and McPhee; Coleman; Davis; Durkheim; Festinger; Fiedler; Homans; Katz and Lazarsfeld; Lazarsfeld and Merton; Lipset, Trow, and Coleman; Merton and Kitt; and Stouffer et al. The propositions are grouped under (a) Person, Other, and X, (b) group structure, (c) changes in attitudes and opinions, and (d) values.