friends and social networks 2 08 08 (tin180 com)
TRANSCRIPT
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 (3) (inter-)dependence
Start with an interesting theory:
Balance theory simple theory of interaction generates ideal-types of social structures can be tested against data
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
Romeo
Juliet
Capulet
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Unbalanced triad
Romeo
Juliet
Capulet
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Balanced
Romeo
Juliet
Capulet
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Balanced
Romeo
Juliet
Capulet
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Balanced Balance theory
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
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Transitive Triads
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Intransitive Triads
Balance theory
?
W. Virginia Caucus: On the 2nd round of balloting, McCain’s supporters voted for Huckabee
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
Can’t build a society from negative relations (things fall apart…)
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But balance can produce groups
Balance theory
Trick: find the triads
Friends withEnemies with
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Balance theory
Friends withEnemies with
Balanced Opposition
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Balance theory
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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