Working Paper: NBER ID: w10248
Authors: Kevin Murphy; Andrei Shleifer
Abstract: We present a model of the creation of social networks, such as political parties, trade unions, religious coalitions, or political action committees, through discussion and mutual persuasion among their members. The key idea is that people are influenced by those inside their network, but not by those outside. Once created, networks can be rented out' to politicians who seek votes and support for their initiatives and ideas, which may have little to do with network members' core beliefs. In this framework, political competition does not lead to convergence of party platforms to the views of the median voter. Rather, parties separate their messages and try to isolate their members to prevent personal influence from those in the opposition.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: D72; D78
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| network size (n_i) (D85) | individual belief change (x_i) (D80) |
| network dynamics (D85) | party strategies (D72) |
| network organization (D85) | political support (D72) |