Friendship Networks Through Time: An Actor-Oriented Dynamic Statistical Network Model |
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Authors: | Gerhard G. Van De Bunt Marijtje A.J. Van Duijn Tom A.B. Snijders |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Research Methodology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Social-Cultural Sciences, De Boelelaan 1081c, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;(2) Interuniversity Center for Social Science Theory and Methodology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | We propose a class of actor-oriented statistical models for closed social networks in general, and friendship networks in particular. The models are random utility models developed within a rational choice framework. Based on social psychological and sociological theories about friendship, mathematical functions capturing expected utility of individual actors with respect to friendship are constructed. Expected utility also contains a random (unexplained) component. We assume that, given their restrictions and contact opportunities, individuals evaluate their utility functions and behave such that they maximize the expected amount of utility. The behavior under consideration is the expression of like and dislike (choice of friends). Theoretical mechanisms that are modelled are, e.g., the principle of diminishing returns, the tendency towards reciprocated choices, and the preference for friendship relations with similar others. Constraints imposed on individuals are, e.g., the structure of the existing network, and the distribution of personal characteristics over the respondents. The models are illustrated by means of a data-set collected among university freshmen at 7 points in time during 1994 and 1995. |
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Keywords: | rational choice friendship Markov processes random utility models simulation empirical test |
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