Integrating geometric data analysis and network analysis by iterative reciprocal mapping. The example of the German field of sociology

• Innovative integration of network analysis and geometric data analysis. • Assessing homology and heterology relation between a scientific field and sub-fields. • Position in field does not necessarily imply interacting with spatially close colleagues. • Sub-fields are partially heterologous to main field. This paper presents an iterative procedure for reconstructing a scientific field by relating two relational methods. The procedure involves using geometric data analysis and network analysis in several steps. Blocks from block model analysis are projected into a space constructed by MCA, considered as subspaces using CSA, and subsequently inspected with regard to their manifest interaction structures. The findings allow us to examine the overall structure of a scientific field vis-à-vis the relative autonomies and eigenstructures of its subspaces and the homology-heterology relations they show to each other and the main space, thus providing a more differentiated view of the interplay of social spaces and networks.