Social Exchange Networks

In graduate school at the University of Arizona I was fortunate to have Linda Molm as an advisor. I learned a lot about the group processes tradition within social psychology and this perspective has carried forward throughout my work. In Linda’s lab we investigated the development of integrative outcomes such as trust and solidarity within social exchange networks. These studies identify and test several mechanisms that make reciprocal exchange (where people give without assurance of anything in return) more integrative than negotiated exchange (where people agree on terms). My dissertation drew upon social exchange theory and attempted to reconcile the nature of exchange in social psychology with social network analysis. Resources are often conceptualized differently within the two traditions, and I argue that we should be more explicit in their treatment. My dissertation-related work demonstrates how the emergence of power and solidarity are contingent upon the nature of resources people exchange. For instance, the network positions that experience the greatest power do not necessarily accumulate the most diverse resources – separate mechanisms are behind each outcome and they rarely favor the same network position. Additional studies built on this line of research by testing how other network structures and exchange contingencies affect power and solidarity. 

• Schaefer, David R. 2012. “Homophily through Non-Reciprocity: Results of an Experiment.” Social Forces, 90:1271-1295.

• Schaefer, David R. and Olga Kornienko. 2010. “Comparison Processes in Social Exchange Networks.” In Shane R. Thye & Edward J. Lawler (Eds.), Advances in Group Processes, Vol. 27 (185-205). Bingley, UK: Emerald.

• Schaefer, David R. and Olga Kornienko. 2009. “Building Cohesion in Positively Connected Exchange Networks.” Social Psychology Quarterly 72:384-402.

Resource Type

• Schaefer, David R. 2011. “Resource Characteristics in Social Exchange Networks: Implications for Positional Advantage.” Social Networks 33:143-151.

• Schaefer, David R. 2009. “Resource Variation and the Development of Cohesion in Exchange Networks.” American Sociological Review 74: 551-572.

• Schaefer, David R. 2007. “Votes, Favors, Toys and Ideas: The Effect of Resource Characteristics on Power in Exchange Networks.” Sociological Focus 40:138-160.

Exchange Form 

• Molm, Linda D., David R. Schaefer, and Jessica L. Collett. 2009. “Fragile and Resilient Trust: Risk and Uncertainty in Negotiated and Reciprocal Exchange.” Sociological Theory 27:1-32.

• Molm, Linda D., Jessica L. Collett, and David R. Schaefer. 2007. “Building Solidarity through Generalized Exchange: A Theory of Reciprocity.” American Journal of Sociology 113:205-242.

• Molm, Linda D., David R. Schaefer, and Jessica L. Collett. 2007. “The Value of Reciprocity.” Social Psychology Quarterly 70:199-217.

• Molm, Linda D., Jessica L. Collett, and David R. Schaefer. 2006. “Conflict and Fairness in Social Exchange.” Social Forces 84:2325-2346.