Homophily in social networks

In: Zbornik Matice Srpske za društvene nauke: Proceedings for social sciences, Heft 155-156, S. 325-338

Abstract

Homophily is a prominent feature of social networks and consistent structural
feature of societies and their segments. Defined as a tendency towards
?joining with their own kind,? homophily represents a condition in which the
participants in interaction have one or more common social attributes, above
the level which can be predicted by the basic model of random grouping. This
paper analyzes the nature and types of homophilic interactions, focusing on
the many types of homophilic networks among a wide range of dimensions in
which the similarities in the social attributes of the individuals cause
homophily. Special attention is paid to the origin of homophilic interaction,
the impact of structural constraints on patterns of homophily, as well as
cognitive processes that cause a greater likelihood of interaction between
people who have similar social attributes.