Minorities in networks and algorithms

In this chapter, we provide an overview of recent advances in data-driven and theory informed complex models of social networks and their potential to help us understand societal inequalities and marginalization. We focus on inequalities that arise as a result of specific features of social networks, and how they affect minorities in networks and network-based algorithms. In particular, we examine how homophily and mixing biases shape large and small social networks and influence the visibility and perception of minorities. We also discuss dynamical processes on and of networks and the formation of norms and health inequalities. Finally, we highlight the key challenges and future opportunities in this emerging research topic.