We develop a model of friendship formation that sheds light on segregation patterns observed in social and economic networks. Individuals have types and see typedependent benefits from friendships.We examine the properties of a steady-state equilibrium of a matching process of friendship formation.We use the model to understand three empirical patterns of friendship formation: (i) larger groups tend to form more same-type ties and fewer other-type ties than small groups, (ii) larger groups form more ties per capita, and (iii) all groups are biased towards same-type relative to demographics, with the most extreme bias coming from middle-sized groups. We show how these empirical observations can be generated by biases in preferences and biases in meetings. We also illustrate some welfare implications of the model.

An Economic Model of Frienship: Homophily, Minorities and Segregation

CURRARINI, Sergio;
2009-01-01

Abstract

We develop a model of friendship formation that sheds light on segregation patterns observed in social and economic networks. Individuals have types and see typedependent benefits from friendships.We examine the properties of a steady-state equilibrium of a matching process of friendship formation.We use the model to understand three empirical patterns of friendship formation: (i) larger groups tend to form more same-type ties and fewer other-type ties than small groups, (ii) larger groups form more ties per capita, and (iii) all groups are biased towards same-type relative to demographics, with the most extreme bias coming from middle-sized groups. We show how these empirical observations can be generated by biases in preferences and biases in meetings. We also illustrate some welfare implications of the model.
2009
77(4)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10278/29459
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