
arXiv: 1805.02039
We propose the notion of $k$-integration as a measure of equality of opportunity in social networks. A social network is $k$-integrated if there is a path of length at most $k$ between any two individuals, thus guaranteeing that everybody has the same network opportunities to find a job, a romantic partner, or valuable information. We compute the minimum number of bridges (i.e. edges between nodes belonging to different components) or central nodes (those which are endpoints to a bridge) required to ensure $k$-integration. The answer depends only linearly on the size of each component for $k=2$, and does not depend on the size of each component for $k \geq 3$. Our findings provide a simple and intuitive way to compare the equality of opportunity of real-life social networks.
Social and Information Networks (cs.SI), FOS: Computer and information sciences, Physics - Physics and Society, FOS: Physical sciences, 91D30, Computer Science - Social and Information Networks, Physics and Society (physics.soc-ph)
Social and Information Networks (cs.SI), FOS: Computer and information sciences, Physics - Physics and Society, FOS: Physical sciences, 91D30, Computer Science - Social and Information Networks, Physics and Society (physics.soc-ph)
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 1 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
