Emergence of Homophily under Contextual Mechanisms

Abstract

This paper introduces a tractable model to study incentive-compatible homophily under both external environments--such as exogenous shocks or policy constraints--and internal micromotives based on interactive attributes. We propose a set of invariants that capture main features of homophily and the well-defined partition dynamics leading to perfect global homophily. The criteria for homophily formation are characterized via isomorphism. Within this framework, we demonstrate the emergence of macro-complementarity coupled with micro-substitution, where local individuals' utility function is nonlinear and submodular. We discuss two types of financial networks and their differences: hierarchical structure emerges from short-term liquidity transactions, whereas core-periphery structure is based on a stock-based perspective.