What does 'isomorphism' imply in a social context?

In sociology, 'isomorphism' refers to a phenomenon where different organizations, groups, or social units become increasingly similar to each other due to external pressures or shared environmental conditions. This concept is often discussed in the context of institutional isomorphism, where entities adopt similar practices, structures, or policies as a response to similar challenges or forces in their environments, leading to a homogenization of behaviors and structures.

The correct choice emphasizes this process, indicating that units facing similar environmental conditions may adapt in comparable ways, resulting in a resemblance among them. This can occur across various contexts, such as organizations in the same industry, social movements responding to similar societal issues, or even countries dealing with globalization. The focus on the influence of external conditions highlights the role of context in shaping the behavior of social units, which is fundamental in understanding social interactions and structures.

The other options present concepts that do not align with the definition of isomorphism. For instance, a trend towards social divisions suggests fragmentation rather than similarity among groups. An increase in diversity within populations contradicts the notion of becoming similar. Lastly, a decline in network connections does not directly relate to the idea of units resembling one another in response to environmental factors. Thus, the selection of the second option