Diversity and Popularity in Social Networks

CIRPEE Working Paper No. 09-03

36 Pages Posted: 2 Feb 2009

Date Written: February 2, 2009

Abstract

Homophily, the tendency of linked agents to have similar characteristics, is an important feature of social networks. We present a new model of network formation that allows the linking process to depend on individuals types and study the impact of such a bias on the network structure. Our main results fall into three categories: (i) we compare the distributions of intra- and inter-group links in terms of stochastic dominance, (ii) we show how, at the group level, homophily depends on the groups size and the details of the formation process, and (iii) we understand precisely the determinants of local homophily at the individual level. Especially, we find that popular individuals have more diverse networks. Our results are supported empirically in the AddHealth data looking at networks of social connections between boys and girls.

Keywords: Social networks, network formation, homophily, diversity

JEL Classification: A14, D85, I21

Suggested Citation

Bramoulle, Yann and Rogers, Brian W., Diversity and Popularity in Social Networks (February 2, 2009). CIRPEE Working Paper No. 09-03, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1336634 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1336634

Yann Bramoulle (Contact Author)

Université Laval - Département d'Économique ( email )

Ste-Foy, Quebec G1K 7P4 G1K 7P4
Canada

Brian W. Rogers

Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management ( email )

2001 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www20.kellogg.northwestern.edu/facdir/facpage.asp?sid=10018

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