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Jefficiency vs. Efficiency in Social Network Models

Möbert, Jochen (2009)
Jefficiency vs. Efficiency in Social Network Models.
Report, Erstveröffentlichung

Kurzbeschreibung (Abstract)

The mainly used welfare criterion in the social network literature is Bentham´s utilitarian concept. The shortcomings of this concept are well-known. We compare the outcomes of the utilitarian concept with the Nash social welfare function. By using a Taylor approximation we deduce a formula which allows the direct comparison of both concepts. The implications of welfare considerations of important network formation models are evaluated by using the multiplicative concept. We introduce a new symmetric connection model which is related to Nash´s welfare function in the same way as the original model is related to the utilitarian function. Based on the observation that heavy tail distributions like the power law distribution and the Pareto distribution can be explained by multiplicative structures we propose to use multiplicative utility functions in social network models. Furthermore, multiplicative utility and welfare functions together exhibit favorable characteristics both in normative and positive terms. Many empirically observed social networks have structures which are better modelled by multiplicative functions. From the normative perspective, multiplicative functions might be attractive since the Nash product introduces some form of justice.

Typ des Eintrags: Report
Erschienen: 2009
Autor(en): Möbert, Jochen
Art des Eintrags: Erstveröffentlichung
Titel: Jefficiency vs. Efficiency in Social Network Models
Sprache: Englisch
Publikationsjahr: 2009
Ort: Darmstadt
Reihe: Darmstadt Discussion Papers in Economics
Band einer Reihe: 161
URL / URN: http://tuprints.ulb.tu-darmstadt.de/4761
Kurzbeschreibung (Abstract):

The mainly used welfare criterion in the social network literature is Bentham´s utilitarian concept. The shortcomings of this concept are well-known. We compare the outcomes of the utilitarian concept with the Nash social welfare function. By using a Taylor approximation we deduce a formula which allows the direct comparison of both concepts. The implications of welfare considerations of important network formation models are evaluated by using the multiplicative concept. We introduce a new symmetric connection model which is related to Nash´s welfare function in the same way as the original model is related to the utilitarian function. Based on the observation that heavy tail distributions like the power law distribution and the Pareto distribution can be explained by multiplicative structures we propose to use multiplicative utility functions in social network models. Furthermore, multiplicative utility and welfare functions together exhibit favorable characteristics both in normative and positive terms. Many empirically observed social networks have structures which are better modelled by multiplicative functions. From the normative perspective, multiplicative functions might be attractive since the Nash product introduces some form of justice.

Freie Schlagworte: social networks, welfare, efficiency, Nash product, jefficiency, justice
URN: urn:nbn:de:tuda-tuprints-47619
Zusätzliche Informationen:

JEL Classification: A13, D11, D23, D61, D63, L14, Z13; Erstellt März 2006

Sachgruppe der Dewey Dezimalklassifikatin (DDC): 300 Sozialwissenschaften > 330 Wirtschaft
Fachbereich(e)/-gebiet(e): 01 Fachbereich Rechts- und Wirtschaftswissenschaften
01 Fachbereich Rechts- und Wirtschaftswissenschaften > Volkswirtschaftliche Fachgebiete
Hinterlegungsdatum: 31 Jan 2016 20:59
Letzte Änderung: 25 Okt 2023 09:24
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