Unhierarchical and hierarchical core‐periphery relations : north Fennoscandian trade network from the Middle Ages to the post‐sixteenth century

Abstract

<div lang="en" class="abs"><p class="abs_header">Abstract</p><p>This article studies the medieval northern Fennoscandian trade network utilizing a macro‐scale perspective—namely, the world‐systems analysis—while still maintaining a decidedly local approach to the analysis. It is argued that local factors, formed of a synergy between social and natural components, created a situation where the trade network of northern Fennoscandia remained an unhierarchical peer network despite a seeming power asymmetry between the participants. This study demonstrates how a local analysis is always important even—and especially—when utilizing a macro‐scale perspective, as assumptions (for example, pertaining to power asymmetries) may lead to misconceptions of the social forces in play within a social network.</p></div>