Metrics for power analysis in social networks and their application in campaign donations for the Brazilian Federal Senate

• Letícia Verona UFRJ
• Jonice Oliveira UFRJ
• Maria Luiza Machado Campos UFRJ

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/brasnam.2017.3263

Abstract

The analysis of how much one actor has over another is crucial to understanding what interests their actions are subordinate to. This paper presents metrics based on the theoretical bases of sociology that reflect the imbalance between relationships, the main source of power in a social network. These metrics are applyed to the relationship between each pair of nodes, and are computed to accomplish the entire power structure of the network. As an instrument of empirical validation, a case study was made with the electoral donations received by parties and senators in the campaigns of 2010 and 2014. The application of the metrics allowed to highlight some corporate and party interests existing today in the Brazilian Federal Senate.

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