Cohesive subgroups in academic networks: unveiling clique integration of top-level female and male researchers

Nadine V. Kegen ()
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Nadine V. Kegen: Universität Hamburg

Scientometrics, 2015, vol. 103, issue 3, No 7, 897-922

Abstract: Abstract Social networks are said to have a positive impact on scientific development. Conventionally, it is argued that female and male researchers differ in access to and participation in networks and hence experience unequal career opportunities. Due to limited capacities of time and resources as well as homophily, top-level scientists may structure their contacts to reduce problems of complexity and uncertainty. The outcomes of the structuring can be cohesive subgroups within networks of relation. Women in science might suffer exclusion from cliques because of being dissimilar in the arena. The present paper aims to explore integration in and composition of scientific cliques. A three-step analysis is conducted: Firstly, cliques are identified. Secondly, overlap structures are examined. Thirdly, group compositions are analysed in terms of other personal attributes of the researchers involved. Building on network data of female and male investigators, the article applies a comparative case study design including two cutting edge research institutions from the German Excellence Initiative. The study contrasts a Cluster of Excellence with a Graduate School and the corresponding formal with the informal networks. The results imply that the general hypothesis of unfavourably embedded female researchers cannot be supported. Although women are less integrated in scientific cliques, the majority is involved in an inner social circle which enables access to career-relevant network resources.

Keywords: Clique analysis; Cohesive subgroup; Cutting edge research; Formal and informal networks; Social circle; Women in science (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1007/s11192-015-1572-z

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