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Isomorphism (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-06) |
 | | The word "isomorphism" applies when two complex structures can be mapped onto each other, in such a way that to each part of one structure there is a corresponding part in the other structure, where "corresponding" means that the two parts play similar roles in their respective structures. |
 | | Isomorphic structures are "the same" at some level of abstraction; ignoring the specific identities of the elements in the underlying sets, and focusing just on the structures themselves, the two structures are identical. |
 | | In sociology, isomorphism is to a kind of "copying" or "imitation", especially of the practices of one organization by another. |
| hallencyclopedia.com /Isomorphism (658 words) |