A network model of conviction-driven social segregation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a network model demonstrating that social segregation can occur without spatial factors, driven by conviction-based social connections and popularity, revealing a phase transition between mixed and segregated states.

Contribution

The study presents a novel network model showing how conviction-driven social segregation can happen in well-mixed networks without spatial influence, highlighting a phase transition mechanism.

Findings

Segregation occurs via a phase transition controlled by a 'tolerance' parameter.

Minority groups tend to segregate faster than majorities.

Segregation can arise solely from conviction-based rewiring, independent of spatial factors.

Abstract

In order to measure, predict, and prevent social segregation, it is necessary to understand the factors that cause it. While in most available descriptions space plays an essential role, one outstanding question is whether and how this phenomenon is possible in a well-mixed social network. We define and solve a simple model of segregation on networks based on discrete convictions. In our model, space does not play a role, and individuals never change their conviction, but they may choose to connect socially to other individuals based on two criteria: sharing the same conviction, and individual popularity (regardless of conviction). The trade-off between these two moves defines a parameter, analogous to the "tolerance" parameter in classical models of spatial segregation. We show numerically and analytically that this parameter determines a true phase transition (somewhat reminiscent of phase separation in a binary mixture) between a well-mixed and a segregated state. Additionally, minority convictions segregate faster and inter-specific aversion alone may lead to a segregation threshold with similar properties. Together, our results highlight the general principle that a segregation transition is possible in absence of spatial degrees of freedom, provided that conviction-based rewiring occurs on the same time scale of popularity rewirings.