# A Micro-foundation of Social Capital in Evolving Social Networks

**Authors:** Ahmed M. Alaa, Kartik Ahuja, Mihaela van der Schaar  
**arXiv:** [1511.02429](https://arxiv.org/abs/1511.02429)  
**Date:** 2015-11-08  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/1511.02429v1/

## Key points

- The study explores social capital within evolving social networks through a mathematical model.
- Factors influencing network evolution include homophily, structural opportunism, social gregariousness, and the distribution of individuals in society.
- Three main types of social capital are identified: bonding capital, popularity capital, and bridging capital.
- Bonding capital is formed by creating close-knit connections, influenced by homophily.
- Popularity capital arises from preferential attachment and asymmetries in popularity levels among different groups.
- Less gregarious or opportunistic individuals in homophilic societies may acquire bridging capital and become central in the network.
- Bridging capital facilitates connections between different groups within the network for information flow and collaboration.
- Understanding these dynamics can help individuals strategically build social capital to enhance influence and resource access.

## Summary

In the study "A Micro-foundation of Social Capital in Evolving Social Networks" by Ahmed M. Alaa, Kartik Ahuja, and Mihaela van der Schaar, the authors delve into the concept of social capital within social networks. They introduce a mathematical model that explores how social networks evolve and how individuals within these networks accrue social capital. The evolution of the network is influenced by factors such as homophily (the tendency for individuals to connect with others who are similar to them), structural opportunism, social gregariousness, and the distribution of different types of individuals in society. The authors identify three main types of social capital: bonding capital, popularity capital, and bridging capital. Bonding capital is formed when individuals create a close-knit circle of connections. Homophily plays a key role in increasing bonding capital by making these connections more homogeneous. Popularity capital arises from preferential attachment. Popular individuals tend to attract more connections because others are drawn to link with them. Homophily also leads to asymmetries in popularity levels among different social groups. More gregarious individuals are more likely to become popular. Interestingly, in homophilic societies where individuals tend to connect with others who are similar to them, those belonging to less gregarious or less opportunistic types may actually become more central in the network and acquire bridging capital. This form of social capital allows for connections between different groups within the network, facilitating information flow and collaboration across diverse segments. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into how social networks evolve and how individuals can strategically build different forms of social capital through their network interactions. By understanding these dynamics, individuals and groups can leverage their position within a network to enhance their influence and access resources effectively.