Homofila

Homofila, or homophily in English, is a term used in sociology and network science to describe the tendency of individuals or organizational units to form ties with others who are similar to them in one or more attributes, such as age, ethnicity, education, language, or beliefs. The word derives from Greek roots meaning “love of the same.” In many Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking contexts the term homofilia is used as the direct translation.

In practice, homophily explains why social networks often exhibit clustering and echo chambers: people connect with familiar types and attributes, which can influence information flow, collaboration patterns, and exposure to diverse perspectives. Homophily operates through mechanisms of selection (preference for similar others) and social influence (becoming more similar through interaction). It interacts with geographic, institutional, and cultural factors to shape the structure of networks.

Measurement and data sources: researchers quantify homophily with metrics such as assortativity coefficients, the E–I index (internal vs. external connections), or by comparing observed mixing patterns to those in randomized networks. Data commonly come from surveys, organizational records, or digital social networks.

Applications and implications: understanding homophily helps explain urban demography, professional networks, political polarization, and diffusion of innovations. It also raises concerns about reduced exposure to diversity and potential biases in selection processes or resource access.

See also: heterophily, assortativity, social networks, echo chambers.