Polarization in the social sciences: assortative mixing in social science collaboration networks is resilient to interventions

Leifeld, P. (2018) Polarization in the social sciences: assortative mixing in social science collaboration networks is resilient to interventions. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 507, pp. 510-523. (doi: 10.1016/j.physa.2018.05.109)

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Abstract

Academic collaboration in the social sciences is characterized by a polarization between hermeneutic and nomological researchers. This polarization is expressed in different publication strategies. The present article analyzes the complete co-authorship networks in a social science discipline in two separate countries over five years using an exponential random graph model. It examines whether and how assortative mixing in publication strategies is present and leads to a polarization in scientific collaboration. In the empirical analysis, assortative mixing is found to play a role in shaping the topology of the network and significantly explains collaboration. Co-authorship edges are more prevalent within each of the groups, but this mixing pattern does not fully account for the extent of polarization. Instead, a thought experiment reveals that other components of the complex system dampen or amplify polarization in the data-generating process and that microscopic interventions targeting behavior change with regard to assortativity would be hindered by the resilience of the system. The resilience to interventions is quantified in a series of simulations on the effect of microscopic behavior on macroscopic polarization. The empirical study controls for geographic proximity, supervision, and topical similarity (using a vector space model), and the interplay of these factors is likely responsible for this resilience. The paper also predicts the co-authorship network in one country based on the model of collaborations in the other country.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Leifeld, Professor Philip
Authors: Leifeld, P.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences
Journal Name:Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0378-4371
ISSN (Online):1873-2119
Published Online:17 May 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V.
First Published:First published in Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications 507:510-523
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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