Social balance theory

Social balance theory is a class of theories within social network theory which attempts to describe how individual desires to reduce affective cognitive dissonance influence in a group of network structures, and that individuals expect to be exposed to balanced social situations. Social balance theory is a tool to observe a social group evolving to a balanced state. It originated in "balance theory", as developed by psychologist Fritz Heider. Relations among certain people characterize interactions that occur within a social system. One important component among social agents is "sentiment". These sentiments can result in the emergence of two groups. Disliking exists between the two subgroups within liking agents.

Development of the Theory

This theory evolved over time to produce models more closely resembling real-world social networks. It uses a balance index to measure the effect of local balance on that of a global level and also on a more intimate level, like in interpersonal relationships. Cartwright and Harary introduced "clustering" to account for multiple social cliques. Davis introduced "hierarchal clustering" to account for asymmetric relations. Social balance theory later developed into what is now called "transitivity".

Relations

Heider's theory included cognitive perceptions of social relationships. This theory has played an important role in early social physiological theories. Heider focused his study on one person which is denoted by a (P), and another individual, which is denoted by (O). Heider considered how the positive or negative attitude of the primary person with a variable (X) would respond with the other person. The variable (X) could be substituted with a third person (Q) which could then be the object.

Structural Balance and Transitivity

Structural Balance is associated more with groups. Within a group there must be ties between the members of the group. A group is structurally balanced when the product of ties between all group members is positive. A positive tie is created by a 'like' relation between two group members, a negative one by a 'dislike' relation. If for example there are two negative ties and one positive tie the group is balanced, but if there is one negative and two positive ties the group is unbalanced. For example if two people like ice-cream then a "+" sign is shown representing a positive tie between the people. Now if two people in the group like chocolate ice-cream and the other likes vanilla, then only two have a positive bond and the group is not balanced. The social balance theory is based on people's theories of action, and these central concepts play a large role and deal with intrapersonal relation.

tructural Ties

Structural ties are bonds that are used as links to members in a network. They are critical to the function of the group. If there is strong, positive ties, there is a good chance that the group will stay strong and won't break apart. If there is weak, negative ties within a group then the group is most likely to fall apart and eventually be extinguished. Ties or agreements are the basic components for a group. Groups form because there are common characteristics, similarities or belief that cause a strong bond or tie to hold the group together.

References

Further reading

* Cartwright, D., and Harary, F. (1956). "Structural balance: A generalization of Heider’s theory". Psychological Review. 63, 277-292.
* Davis, J.A. (1970). "Clustering and hierarchy in interpersonal relations: Testing two theoretical models on 742 sociograms". American Sociological Review. 35, 843-852.
* Hannaman. Sociological Topics. (2007).
* Heider, F. (1946). "Attitudes and cognitive organization". Journal of Psychology. 21, 107-112.
* N.P. Hummon, P. Doreian/Social Networks 25. (2003). Pages 17-49.
* Wasserman, S., and Faust, K. (1994). "Social network analysis : methods and applications" Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press.