Topic: The Relationship Between the Social Networks of Political and Economic Elites to Income Inequality in Cities
Presenter: Dr. Holly Brasher
Dr. Brasher's research focuses on the social networks of economic and political elites in cities and the way in which network characteristics are associated with indicators of quality of life in cities. Established theories of political systems, including elite theory and pluralist theory suggest that networks may be either concentrated or fragmented. Abundant data and new tools for social network analysis provide an opportunity to update and reevaluate existing theories about power and influence and to develop new theories in order to understand cities as complex and dynamic systems. Dr. Brasher's work centers in particular on the influence of elite social networks on indicators of quality of life including income inequality and business innovation.