User:DarwinPeacock/Temp/Field theory

Field theory in sociology examines how individuals construct social fields, and how they are affected by such fields. Social fields are environments in which competition between individual and groups takes place, such as markets, academic disciplines, musical genres, etc.

Unstable fields are defined by rapid change and frequently by destructive forms of competition, such as pure competition over prices that drives profit margins to untenably low levels. Stable fields rarely emerge on their own, but must be constructed by skilled enterpreneurs who establish the rules of competition (the government frequently plays a role in this process as well). Fields feature a different positions that social actors can occupy. Most stable fields tend to be dominated by a small number of incumbents who are generally invested in maintaining the field in its current form. They may also feature insurgents who instead aim to dramatically alter the field. In general, different field positions create different incentives. Field position is experienced by individuals in the form of motivation.