2024 Fall Seminar Series Seminar: Michael Siciliano University of Illinois, Chicago

Invisible Ties: Gendered Perceptions of Centrality in Social Networks

Abstract: Aligned with the Thomas theorem, which states, "If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences," research on cognitive social structures reveals that perceptions of social networks can significantly shape individual outcomes, often more profoundly than the actual network structure (Krackhardt, 1990). Gender bias can introduce disparities in network cognition, where men are believed to be more suited for brokerage roles while women are viewed in more supportive or cohesive roles. This study examines gender bias and network perceptions through two vignette experiments. The experiments provide respondents with information about the structure of an instrumental network in a public organization. Respondents were randomly assigned to conditions that increase the salience of gender stereotypes and asked to recall the structure of the network. We find that respondents consistently perceive men as having greater prestige and indegree centrality compared to women, despite both having identical structural positions in the network. Findings from this study contribute to discussions on gender bias and network cognition in professional and governance networks.