Network society

The term Network Society was coined by Manuel Castells as part of his extensive analysis of today's society. Network society goes further than the information society that is often proclaimed. Castells argues that it is not purely the technology that defines our society, but also cultural, economical and political factors that make the network society.

The Space of Flows plays a central role in the Network society. It is a network of communications, defined by hubs where these networks crisscross. Élites in cities are not attached to a particular locality but to the space of flows.

Castell puts great importance on the networks and argues that the real power is to be found within the networks rather than confined in global cities. This contrasts with other theorists who rank cities hierarchally.