The Complexity of Human Space: Multi-layered Networks and the Relativity of Distance

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Cardinale, Ivano and Scazzieri, Roberto. 2025. The Complexity of Human Space: Multi-layered Networks and the Relativity of Distance. Networks and Spatial Economics, ISSN 1566-113X [Article] (In Press)

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11067-025-09668-0

Abstract or Description

This article characterizes the human space as reflecting the architecture of interdependencies within it, which may generate alternative identifications of external boundaries and internal divisions. After introducing how human actors and activities are arranged according to relative positions belonging to different dimensions and leading to multi-layered networks, the article illustrates the multi-dimensionality and multi-layeredness of the human space by considering the production space as a network of interdependencies in which division of labour and the mutual fitting of activities take place along plural dimensions (here identified with tasks and productive functions, capacities, and materials-in-process) and give rise to hierarchical patterns of interdependence along each dimension. The article shows that it is possible to visualize relative positions in different ways depending on the actors’ or the analyst’s point of view, which may draw attention to a particular dimension of interdependence rather than others. Such open-endedness leads to the relativity of distance. At the same time, the actors’ (or the analyst’s) point of view, by fixing the focus of attention on specific dimensions and layers, may lead to closure, in the sense that relative distances become associated with the dimension and layer of interdependence that are central to a given context. The article goes on to propose a theoretical framework to study distance and proximity in the human space, and applies it to the problem of how to identify possible definitions of collective interest in a space of interdependent actors.

Item Type:

Article

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11067-025-09668-0

Data Access Statement:

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

Keywords:

Interdependence, Relative positions, Visualization of positions, Plurality of distance, Collective interest

Departments, Centres and Research Units:

Institute of Management Studies
Institute of Management Studies > Structural Economic Analysis

Dates: