Unclear impact of multidimensional connection preferences on network dynamics and inequalities

Determine how multidimensional connection preferences across multiple social identity dimensions influence social network dynamics and ascertain the specific mechanisms and forms by which these preferences amplify or attenuate inter-group social capital inequalities in networks.

Background

The paper investigates intersectional inequalities in social networks, emphasizing that individuals possess multidimensional identities that shape connection preferences. Prior work has largely focused on single-dimensional homophily and inequalities, leaving gaps in understanding how multiple dimensions interact to shape network structure and disparities in social capital.

The authors note that the effects of multidimensional preferences on network dynamics and the amplification or attenuation of inequalities are not yet established, motivating their development of a tractable multidimensional network model and analytical tools to study these impacts.