Séminaire SRM | Specifications for homophily in models of social groups: Mathematical and theoretical consideration.

With Marion Hoffman, Research Fellow, Institute for Advanced Studies Toulouse

Presentation

Over the recent years, a range of statistical models have been proposed for the analysis of group data (e.g., two-mode ERGMs or SAOMs, Hypergraph REMs, Partition models), in parallel to network models, initially meant for dyadic relationships. With such models, we hope to develop our understanding of the mechanisms driving the formation of social groups. For example, the issue of understanding how similar (or dissimilar individuals) form groups together is at the core of many sociological problems and has been rarely empirically examined because of a lack of statistical tools. However, specifying mechanisms related to similarity (or homophily) in group models seems more difficult than it seems. In this talk, I will attempt to outline the issues specific to homophily-related mechanisms in group models and propose potential solutions for empirical studies using such models.