How does homophily shape the topology of a dynamic network?

Understand

We consider a dynamic network of individuals that may hold one of two different opinions in a two-party society.

• As a dynamical model, agents can endlessly create and delete links to satisfy a preferred degree, and the network is shaped by \emph{homophily}, a form of social interaction.
• Characterized by the parameter $J \in [-1,1]$, the latter plays a role similar to Ising spins: agents create links to others of the same opinion with probability $(1+J)/2$, and delete them with probability $(1-J)/2$.
• Using Monte Carlo simulations and mean-field theory, we focus on the network structure in the steady state.