Exploring inequalities in co-authorship networks among Italian scholars

Social capital refers to the resources individuals can access through their network of relationships to achieve their goals or navigate challenges. This study examines the structure of collaboration networks in which Italian academics are embedded. Specifically, we analyze inequalities in co-authorship networks among Italian scholars in the fields of Statistics, Management, and General and Applied Sociology. We compiled a list of scholars and their attributes as of 2022 using data from the Ministry of University and Research. By linking each scholar to their Scopus ID, we collected co-authorship data from Scopus publications covering the period from 2012 to 2022. We utilize an egocentric network approach to build personal co-authorship networks. We calculate various structural and compositional indices—such as component ratios, network density, and diversity—to categorize these personal networks and conduct network clustering to identify different network typologies. Our results reveal variations in personal networks across the four disciplines, reflecting the specific academic norms and roles associated with each field.