Birds of a Feather: Homophily in Social Networks

@article{McPherson2001BirdsOA,
  title={Birds of a Feather: Homophily in Social Networks},
  author={Miller McPherson and Lynn Smith-Lovin and James M. Cook},
  journal={Review of Sociology},
  year={2001},
  volume={27},
  pages={415-444}
}
Similarity breeds connection. This principle—the homophily principle—structures network ties of every type, including marriage, friendship, work, advice, support, information transfer, exchange, comembership, and other types of relationship. The result is that people's personal networks are homogeneous with regard to many sociodemographic, behavioral, and intrapersonal characteristics. Homophily limits people's social worlds in a way that has powerful implications for the information they… Expand
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