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balance theory

A Dictionary of Sociology | 1998 | 389 words | Copyright

balance theory Balance theory describes the affective (positive or negative) links between points (individuals or groups) in a network, by examining the compound effects in each constituent triad, which is balanced if the product of its links is positive, and unbalanced otherwise. The balance theorem proves that if all triads are balanced the system is polarized into two hostile groups.

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GORDON MARSHALL. "balance theory." A Dictionary of Sociology. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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