In fact, delineating mechanisms for intervention and social change becomes remarkably straightforward in the context of social network studies when this tool is placed in the hands of social work scientists. Providersand consumers could focus on engagement with individuals already in a consumer’s network and the quality of their consumer–provider relationships” (p. ( 2015), the authors’ analysis of the social network of homeless adults in two housing programs with very different approaches quickly led to recommendations for change strategies: “Because recovery is inherently a social process, providers should discuss with consumers the type of relationships they have and might want to develop. Again, social network analysis can prove an invaluable tool. However, understanding phenomena is not enough (Brekke, 2012) rather the science of social work is incomplete unless understanding is linked to the processes that promote positive change. 385, this issue) found that homeless persons who exited Housing First programs reported their relationships with the program staff remained distant over time, and they reported higher numbers of peer relationships characterized by both conflict and support. All four of the articles that serve as companions to this article focus on the ways in which relationships between social actors mediate well-being (three published in this issue and one published in a previous issue of JSSWR ). The power of social network analysis as a tool in the service of this agenda originates from the proclivity of social network analysis to identify mechanisms of social change. From the perspective of a social network researcher, Brekke’s most compelling commentary on the emerging science of social work included the tenet that social work as a science is deeply invested in human change. Spurred by John Brekke ( 2012), a discourse has emerged during the past several years regarding the potential for social work to emerge as a science. The science of social work can be greatly enhanced by active engagement with social network analysis.
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