A Markov chain analysis of the dynamics of homophily
Author:
Guerrero Katerine1,
Finke Jorge2
Affiliation:
1. School of Systems and Computer Engineering, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
2. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali, Colombia
Abstract
Abstract
Many networks are made up of different nodes types, which are determined by a set of common quantitative or qualitative node properties. Understanding the effects of homophilic relationships, that is, the tendency of nodes to establish links to other nodes that are alike, requires formal frameworks that explain how local decision-making mechanisms contribute to the formation of particular network structures. Based on two simple stochastic mechanisms for establishing links, this article introduces a model that explains the emergence of homophily as an aggregate group and network level outcome. We characterize the dynamics of homophily and present conditions that guarantee that the amount of homophily exceeds the expected amount of a purely random decision-making process. Moreover, we show that the proposed model resembles patterns of homophily in a citation network of political blogs. Finally, we use the model to design a non-homophilic node detection algorithm for identifying nodes that establish connections without a particular preference for either node type.
Funder
Colombian Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation
Center of Excellence and Appropriation in Big Data and Data Analytics
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Ministry of Information Technologies and Telecommunications of Colombia
COLCIENCIAS
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Applied Mathematics,Computational Mathematics,Control and Optimization,Management Science and Operations Research,Computer Networks and Communications
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