The joint role structure of two communities’ elites

Blockmodel analysis offers a perspective for developing operational theories of role interlock across multiple networks. We identify precisely those features of role interlock that are shared by the elites of two small cities. This joint role structure is then interpreted with the aid of an algebraic model that we formulate on the basis of Granovetter's (1973) “strength of weak ties” argument. Our discussion illustrates the operationalization of substantive and theoretical concepts in the form of idealized role structures, and their application via blockmodel analysis to observed network data.