Equilibrium homophily in networks

B-Tier
Journal: European Economic Review
Year: 2020
Volume: 123
Issue: C

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

I look at the equilibrium effects of homophily in network formation games having positive externalities. I show that very weak preferences for network effects (such as a preference for being part of a clique) may result in very high levels of homophily at equilibrium. I present an empirical procedure that allows an evaluation of the role of network effects on the observed level of homophily in the data. I apply my method to the formation of friendship networks in the USA. I show that network effects are small and have a negligible contribution to the observed racial homophily in friendship networks.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:eecrev:v:123:y:2020:i:c:s0014292120300027
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-24