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Heritability in friendship networks

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  • Neugart, Michael
  • Yildirim, Selen

Abstract

There is considerable evidence nowadays that friendship networks account for a large part of an individual’s success or failure in life. Little, however, is known about the extent to which friendship networks are associated with an individual’s genotype. Using data from the German TwinLife study, we explore, within a classical twin design, whether friendship networks are related to genes. We find a substantial heritability component in twins’ network sizes and network homophily, but not in twins’ network closeness. The genetic influence on network characteristics may be attributable to traits which are themselves influenced by genetic factors. Addressing indirect ways in which genes could influence network characteristics, we do not find evidence that shared hobbies, education, or Big Five personality traits affect networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Neugart, Michael & Yildirim, Selen, 2022. "Heritability in friendship networks," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 41-55.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:194:y:2022:i:c:p:41-55
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.12.008
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social networks; Twins; Behavioral genetics; Hobbies; Big five; Education;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General

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