Group Formation and Social Structure: On Networks and Identities

Conflicting and competing groups are a key element of social structure but how do we define groups? Most definitions centre upon identity and/or social ties. Both are important but our understanding of their intersection is underdeveloped. In this paper I address this deficit by engaging with two research traditions which each tackle one side of the equation: social identity theory (SIT) and social network analysis (SNA). These traditions are typically understood as competing but I argue in the paper that they are complementary. Each explores one aspect of group life and we achieve a better, more comprehensive understanding by bringing them into dialogue. The paper reflects upon and rebuts criticisms which SIT advocates make of approaches to groups centred upon ‘relations’ and unpacks the interplay of identities and networks involved in the widely reported phenomenon of homophily.