Social network analysis is an approach widely used nowadays. However, the approach is often reduced to a substantive field, or even a set of research techniques. This paper treats social network analysis as an insightful perspective to social structure. What is the notable contribution of social network analysis to the investigation of social structure? This is the organizing question in the article. The specific theoretical assumptions, analytical strategies, and conceptual tools of social network analysis are examined in detail. The weakness or limitation of such a perspective is also discussed.
