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Friends and social networks

Friends and social networks. Strong and Weak Ties. Strong ties: Intense attachment Often reinforced by other ties Weak ties: Acquaintances May link otherwise unconnected actors . Back to relationships and networks:. What produces (solidary) groups? (1) similarity/selection (2) influence

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Friends and social networks

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  1. Friends and social networks

  2. Strong and Weak Ties Strong ties: Intense attachment Often reinforced by other ties Weak ties: Acquaintances May link otherwise unconnected actors

  3. Back to relationships and networks: What produces (solidary) groups? (1) similarity/selection (2) influence (3) (inter-)dependence

  4. Start with an interesting theory: Balance theory simple theory of interaction generates ideal-types of social structures can be tested against data

  5. Balance Theory A theory of action Basic idea is that persons seek to avoid tension or dissonance in their relations predicts that persons will change their relations in order to avoid dissonance Scope conditions Based on triads (groups of three) Assumes only positive (+) or negative (-) relations Assumes symmetry of relations Balance theory

  6. Balanced Romeo + + Capulet + Juliet Balanced Romeo - Romeo - + + Capulet Capulet - Juliet Romeo + Juliet - - Capulet + Juliet Balanced Unbalanced triad Balance theory

  7. Balance and Transitivity Balanced triads where no dissonance exists between members is called a transitive triad Technical measure of transitivity: Triads are transitive if the product of the sides is positive (+x+x+ = +; -x+ x - = +) Triads are intransitive if the product of the sides is negative (+x+x- = -) Balance theory

  8. A A + - + - E E D + D - A A - - + + E E D - D + Intransitive Triads Transitive Triads Balance theory

  9. ? W. Virginia Caucus: On the 2nd round of balloting, McCain’s supporters voted for Huckabee

  10. More on balance theory Some cultural rules: The friend of a friend is a friend An enemy of my friend is my enemy The friend of my enemy is my enemy The enemy of my enemy is my friend Balance theory

  11. Can’t build a society from negative relations (things fall apart…) A - - E D -

  12. But balance can produce groups G C H B F J A I E D Trick: find the triads Balance theory

  13. A + B + Friends with D + - Enemies with I I + - E + E ---> - - B A + - B A - + - D + + - ---> + E - E Balance theory

  14. Balanced Opposition I C B A D F G E H J Friends with Enemies with Balance theory

  15. Balance Theory and the Formation of Groups In a world with only symmetric relations, we will find structures of balanced opposition (opposing solidary groups) “Us” and “them” Groups whose coherence comes from Similarities to those within; and Difference from those outside Real World examples of balanced opposition Interpersonal relations Ethnic conflict Global alliances Balance theory

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