Network Position Research Articles

Radical networks and terrorist action: the importance of social relationships and network positions

ABSTRACT In most models on terrorism, interaction with other radicals is a key factor. However, systematic empirical evidence that radical ties affect behaviour is scarce. Our access to detailed police information allows us to apply Social Network Analysis (SNA) on a Dutch Salafi-Jihadi network and analyse the social relationships and network positions of 80 actors, out of whom 20 turned to terrorist acts. The results suggest that ties to leaders and terrorist offenders, co-attendance of radicalising settings and greater structural embeddedness relate to the likelihood of individual actors to turn to acts of terrorism. However, we also find some individual attributes that may offer competing explanations. In this paper we discuss our findings and address how future research may provide further insights into an important issue for agencies involved in countering terrorism: which radical actors, if any, are more likely to turn to acts of terrorism?

Empowering Learning Networks: Insights from Social Network Analysis in Inquiry-Based Discussions

This study investigated the dynamics of complex interactions within inquiry-based discussions by visualizing patterns using social network analysis. Researchers explored network measures when learners participated in inquiry-based discussions with Practical Inquiry Model (PIM) questions and non-PIM questions while playing the weekly moderator’s role. The findings revealed that at the group level, purposefully designed inquiry-based discussions can create fairly cohesive, evenly distributed, and proportionally consistent networks. Discussions featuring both PIM and non-PIM questions resulted in a moderate level of interaction, as learners adhered to the specified requirements for the number of responses. While discussions with non-PIM questions appeared more interactive with higher response requirements, discussions with PIM questions actually resulted in greater interaction, as evidenced by students exceeding the average number of required responses per student. The findings also revealed that despite similar discussion prompts and discussion requirements in both PIM and non-PIM, the flow of information can vary based on how closely learners are connected. At the individual level, the results revealed that learners' levels of participation, influence, and network positions fluctuated and shifted in each discussion. In addition, the results did not reveal any impact of the moderator's role on learner participation and interaction in discussions with both PIM and non-PIM questions. This study’s findings can help researchers and practitioners design a well-distributed network to enhance learner interaction in inquiry-based discussions with the balance of PIM and non-PIM questions.

The role of community leadership in building community adaptive capacity to coastal hazards – Insights from neighborhood networks in Semarang, Indonesia

Coastal communities in the Global South face significant challenges due to urbanization, population growth, and climate change-induced sea level rise. This paper contributes to the study of community adaptation in these contexts by emphasizing the critical role of community leaders in developing, maintaining, and activating community adaptive capacity. Drawing on quantitative data from a household survey and qualitative interviews with community leaders in Semarang, Indonesia, this study identifies and empirically analyzes previously overlooked linkages between community leadership and adaptive capacity. Our key findings demonstrate that effective leadership significantly impacts community adaptive capacity by building social capital, organizing collective action, accessing knowledge, managing communal funds, and representing community interests. Community leaders' influence stems from their network position as brokers and their ability to mobilize external resources and knowledge. Furthermore, we develop an empirically based framework of factors determining community leadership effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of social networks. Factors such as social capital, formal authority, influence, and legitimacy determine the scope of leaders’ actions and resources and are closely connected to the structure and dynamics of social networks. Our research contributes to the literature on community adaptive capacity by underlining the critical role of community leaders and social networks in enhancing community adaptation to natural hazards, with broader implications for coastal communities across the Global South.

Aiding the resilience of cooperation through the use of network rankings.

In many aspects of life on earth, individuals may engage in cooperation with others to contribute towards a goal they may share, which can also ensure self-preservation. In evolutionary game theory, the act of cooperation can be modelled as an altruistic act of an individual producing some form of benefit that can be utilised by others they are associated with at some personal cost. In various scenarios, individuals make use of information that they can perceive within a group to aid with their decision-making regarding who they should associate and cooperate with. However, cooperative individuals can be taken advantage of by opportunistic defectors, which can cause significant disruption to the population. We study a model where the decision to establish interactions with potential partners is based on the opportune integration of the individual's private ability to perceive the intentions of others (private information) and the network position (ranking) of potential partners (public information). We find that there are rankings, such as degree and eigenvector, which can lead to a significant increase to the prosperity of the network, but this greatly increases the likelihood of a network succumbing to cheater invasion. Other rankings, such as betweeness, can instead lead to more stable resilient networks whilst also cultivating some degree of payoff. Our results highlight how commonly used network rankings can be utilised to aid with connection formation within networks and in turn can be utilised to improve the well-being of these networks, helping with stability and allowing for individuals to cultivate cooperation amongst each other. Private information should also continue to be considered when examining the dynamics of these networks as it appears to be a primary driver of encouraging individual agency.

Family communication patterns and networking behavior: A moderated mediation model

ABSTRACTObjectiveDrawing on family communication patterns theory, introducing psychological capital and liking of school, this study explores the effect of family communication patterns on university student networking behavior.BackgroundIndividuals can establish, maintain, and develop social networks through a series of proactive networking behaviors, effectively leveraging their position within these social networks. In terms of resource acquisition, the utility of networking behaviors is not inferior to an individual's social network position. Therefore, networking behaviors have received extensive attention from scholars, but research on networking behaviors of college students on campus is limited.MethodMultiwave data were collected from 191 Chinese university students. Path analysis and bootstrapping methods were used to analyze data.Results and ConclusionWe found that conversation orientation positively related to psychological capital. Psychological capital is positively related to networking behavior and mediates the effect of conversation orientation on networking behavior. Furthermore, liking of school moderates the effect of psychological capital on networking behavior and the indirect effect of conversation orientation on networking behavior through psychological capital, whereby the two effects are stronger when liking of school is high.ImplicationsThe conclusion expands the research on family communication patterns and networking behavior on campus and provides practical enlightenment for parents and universities to improve college students' networking behavior on campus.

Mapping carbon emission networks in China: insights from province-level spatial differentiation

In the current global economic downturn and energy transition period, how to better coordinate the differences in carbon emission footprints among sub-regions has become an emerging issue. With the Gini decomposition method, social network analysis, and difference-in-differences estimation, this study explores the spatial differentiation of China’s province-level carbon emission footprint from 2000 to 2021. The findings of this study indicate that: (1) The Gini-based carbon emission footprint index shows an overall upward trend, revealing the constantly expanding differences among provinces. By comparison, the crude oil difference between the low-carbon pilot and non-pilot provinces is evident, reaching more than 0.15; (2) The carbon emission footprint spatial correlation network structure shows strong spillover characteristics. Provinces with higher network centrality have better structural holes, maintaining closer relationships with surrounding provinces. Those pilot provinces have a comparative advantage regarding social network position, as they have more effective mutual node connections; and (3) China’s low-carbon pilot policy can effectively reduce carbon emissions, with a certain reduction effect of -17.433 in comparison. Industrial rational transformation and green innovation performance are essential in this emission reduction process. At the crossroads of sustainable development, it will be incredibly beneficial to speed up the green transformation by enhancing the coordinated development of regional characteristics.

What Can the Animals Teach Us About Social Relationships?

Having friends benefits us in many ways: we receive information and help, if needed, and we collaborate with our friends to solve complex problems. Wild animals also rely on social relationships. Have you ever thought about what we can learn from animals about our own social networks? The spotted hyena and the rock hyrax are two species that can teach us about the ecology and evolution of social relationships. Scientists have discovered that an individual’s position in the social network affects their chances of survival, reproduction, and contracting diseases. So how do groups maintain their social structures over time? In this study, we describe a process called social inheritance that provides the first clue. In this process, offspring inherit their social connections from their parents. We found that social inheritance depends on parent’s traits, and it may help to maintain the stability of social groups.

Investing in relative market positions in interconnected financial markets: A strategy for international portfolio diversification

International investors face challenges in properly diversifying their portfolios risk due to the increasingly interconnected nature of financial markets. Using the Tail-Event Driven Network (TENET) model, this study proposes two new indices, relative dominance and relative importance, to measure the relative market position of a stock market in the global stock market network. This study further proposes a dominance-importance-oriented (DIO) strategy to diversify portfolio risk in interconnected stock markets using data from the stock markets of 35 economies. The empirical findings show that stock markets in developed countries generally have higher relative dominance and lower relative importance, whereas those in developing and emerging countries have the opposite pattern. Moreover, financial liberalization is an important determinant of stock markets' relative positions in the global market network, although its impact varies with the economic development of their domicile countries. Furthermore, the DIO strategy offers a feasible and effective method for international portfolio diversification by jointly considering relative dominance and importance, verifying that portfolio diversification in terms of relative market position is beneficial.

The mechanisms of personalization

ABSTRACT This article draws on Max Weber’s account of legitimate authority to argue that there are three key mechanisms that drive the personalization of power in political regimes: the mobilization of charisma, the mobilization of legality or formal authority, and the mobilization of informal authority. The mobilization of charisma involves leaders using emotional connections with followers to undermine formal institutional constraints. The mobilization of legality refers to using legal discourses and procedures to expand formal executive powers. The mobilization of informal authority relies on leaders occupying strategic positions in patronage networks to undermine or expand formal authority. Each mechanism allows leaders to escape elite accountability through different means. The article illustrates these mechanisms through historical and contemporary examples. It argues that understanding these distinct mechanisms can help explain variation in trajectories and consequences of personalization across regimes. The framework advances theories of personalization by highlighting how personal power relies not just on disrupting elite coordination but on deploying different forms of authority.

Structural Characteristics of Expressway Carbon Emission Correlation Network and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study in Guangdong Province

Understanding the spatial correlation of transportation carbon emissions and their influencing factors is significant in achieving an overall regional carbon emission reduction. This study analyzed the structure characteristics of the expressway carbon emission correlation network in Guangdong Province and examined its influencing factors with intercity expressway traffic flow data using social network analysis (SNA). The findings indicate that the correlation network of expressway carbon emissions in Guangdong Province exhibited a “core-edge” spatial pattern. The overall network demonstrated strong cohesion and stability, and a significant difference existed between the passenger vehicle and freight vehicle carbon emission networks. The positions and roles of different cities varied within the carbon emission network, with the Pearl River Delta (PRD) cities being in a dominant position in the carbon network. Cities such as Guangzhou, Foshan, and Dongguan play the role of “bridges” in the carbon network. The expansion of differences in GDP per capita, industrial structure, technological level, and transportation intensity facilitates the formation of a carbon emission network. At the same time, geographical distance between cities and policy factors inhibit them. This study provides references for developing regional collaborative carbon emission governance programs.

Toward an improved causal test of network effects: Does alliance network position enhance firm innovation?

AbstractResearch SummaryAssessing whether network position causes firm outcomes is difficult because networks result from firms' strategic choices. To address this issue, we develop a research design that separates self‐driven network change from other‐driven change. Because other‐driven change suppresses the focal firm's agency, outcomes resulting from it can be interpreted as causal—under verifiable assumptions. We apply this method to reassess whether alliance network position affects firm innovation. Using data from the biotechnology industry, we find that structural holes (but not closure) increase firm innovation when self‐driven network change is involved but not when other‐driven change is involved. This raises two possibilities: network effects spuriously capture unobservable firm characteristics or network theories must be updated to account for agency.Managerial SummaryWe examine a crucial question for managers making decisions about alliance networks: Does a firm's position in its alliance network drive innovation, or is it a reflection of the firm's inherent qualities? Our research explores this question by examining network changes outside a firm's control. We find that bridging disconnected partners (structural holes) enhances innovation, but only when firms actively create these positions and not when these positions result from others' actions. Our findings suggest that network position alone does not drive innovation. Acknowledging that network position, per se, is not advantageous provides nuanced insight to better guide managerial decisions.

Species-specific trends of plutonium, radiocesium, and potassium-40 levels in three fish species of the Yenisei river (Siberia, Russia)

The Yenisei is the largest river in the Northern Hemisphere receiving controlled radioactive discharges from nuclear facilities. The paper presents a comparative study of temporal trends of artificial radionuclides plutonium (239,240Pu) and radiocesium (137Cs), and a natural isotope of the essential macronutrient potassium (40K) in samples of three commercial fish species (Northern pike, Baikal grayling, and Siberian dace) occupying different positions in a trophic network in the Yenisei River (Siberia, Russia). Samples of fish were caught in the Yenisei in 2011–2020 during a period of significant changes in controlled radioactive releases into the river. The study has shown no increase in plutonium concentration in fish samples within two years after the upsurge in controlled Pu discharge into the river (2018–2020). Average activity concentration of 239,240Pu (mBq∙kg−1 d.w., range, mean ± sd) in muscle of grayling (0.6–31.8, 10.9 ± 8.6) was higher (p < 0.01) than in muscle of dace (1.0–4.4, 2.4 ± 1.2) and pike (1.1–11, 3.8 ± 2.9). This can be attributed to the feeding of grayling on benthic invertebrates rich in Pu. The concentration of Pu tended to increase in muscle of pike with the increasing size of the fish. Average activity concentration of 137Cs (Bq∙kg−1 d.w., range, mean ± sd) in muscle of pike, a piscivorous fish (1.8–23.4, 7.7 ± 5.1), was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the average activity concentration of 137Cs in muscle of dace (0.7–5.7, 2.7 ± 1.6) and grayling (1.3–7.2, 2.5 ± 1.7). A similar effect was revealed for 40K. This can be attributed to biomagnification of 137Cs and 40K in food chains. The results will draw a baseline for assessment of dose-dependent ecological risks for wild fish itself and fish consumers, add field-based facts to the fundamental knowledge of behavior of artificial radionuclides in freshwater food chains, and suggests a hypothesis for consequent experimental studies.

Managerial interlocking networks and firm risk spillover: evidence from China

PurposeThis paper examines the effect of managerial interlocking networks (MINs) on firm risk spillover by using a sample of Chinese A-share listed firms.Design/methodology/approachApplying the complex network approach, we build managerial interlocking networks (MINs) and leverage degree centrality to quantify a manager’s network position. To gauge firm risk spillover, we utilize the conditional autoregressive value at risk (CAViaR) model to compute the value-at-risk. Subsequently, we employ ordinary least squares to investigate the influence of MINs on firm risk spillover.FindingsOur research uncovers a direct correlation between a firm risk spillover and the status of network positions within managerial interlocking networks; namely, the more central the position, the greater the risk spillover. This increase is believed to be due to central firms in MINs having greater connectedness and influence. This fosters a similarity in decision-making across different firms through interfirm managerial communication, thus amplifying the risk spillover. Economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and Guanxi culture furtherly intensify the effects of MINs. Additional analysis reveals that the impact of MINs on the firm risk spillover is significantly noticeable in non-state-owned enterprises, while good corporate governance diminishes the risk spillover prompted by MINs.Originality/valueOur findings offer fresh insights into the interfirm risk outcome associated with MINs and extend practical guidelines for attenuating firm risk spillover with a view toward mitigating systemic risk.

A Set of Models for Device Positioning in Sixth Generation Networks. Part 2. Review of Algorithms and Accuracy Assessment

Relevance. This work is the second part of a series devoted to the study of a set of positioning models in sixth-generation terahertz networks and solves the problems of systematizing algorithms and assessing the accuracy of determining the location of a user device depending on the configuration and size of the antenna array at the base station.Purpose. Within the framework of the scientific problem of searching for means of achieving decimeter accuracy of coordinate estimates, outlined in the first part of the cycle, the analysis of accuracy assessment models, a review of algorithms and ways of their optimization, as well as a numerical experiment, performed in this study serve the purpose of justifying the configuration and dimensions of the antenna array used at the base station.The research method is an analytical review of the state of the problem based on current scientific publications, conceptual modeling, categorical approach, expert combination, comparative analysis, formalization, mathematical and simulation modeling.Solution / results. The paper presents models for assessing the accuracy of positioning in 6G terahertz networks, formalizes the relationship between primary measurements and coordinate estimates for multi-position and single-position positioning in the near and far zones. It provides an overview of algorithms for geometric positioning and positioning with training for cases of one-stage and two-stage processing; analyzes the specifics of implementing algorithms for simultaneous tracking and map construction. It provides an analysis of the features of optimizing algorithms in offline and online modes. Simulation modeling is used to assess the accuracy for a scenario of territorial distribution with direct visibility and ideal synchronization.Novelty. Using simulation modeling tools, the achievement of decimeter accuracy of coordinate and orientation estimates of 1° in the terahertz range for a far-field model using a 1 GHz band and a composite antenna array of more than half a thousand elements has been scientifically substantiated.The theoretical significance lies in establishing the dependence of the accuracy of coordinate and orientation estimates of the device on the configuration and dimensions of the antenna array at the base station.The practical significance of the developed simulation model lies in the numerical justification of the limits of device positioning accuracy in sixth-generation networks depending on the antenna array used at the base station for a given scenario.

Impact of firm’s supply chain network position on digital transformation: evidence from China

Purpose Given the complexity and increasing interdependence of supply chain networks, a broader perspective beyond a simple binary relationship is needed to analyse the impact of supply chain networks on firms. Based on social network theory, this study aims to explore the relationship between firms’ network position in the supply chain network and digital transformation, as well as the moderating effects of structural holes and network partners’ digitalisation. Design/methodology/approach This study analyses a sample of Chinese A-share companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges for the period 2011–2020 using regression analysis to test hypothesised relationships. Findings A firm’s centrality in the supply chain network is positively related to its digital transformation, and that the firm’s structural holes and the level of network partners’ digitalisation can both strengthen the positive influence of network centrality on digital transformation. Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive effect of firms’ network centrality on digital transformation is more pronounced in non-SOEs and upstream firms. Practical implications In the pursuit of digital transformation, firms should recognise the significance of their position in the supply chain network and enhance their capability for information and resource acquisition by proactively strengthening their business cooperation with other network members. Moreover, firms should emphasise the value of open networks and their partners in supply chain networks. Originality/value This study applies social network theory to investigate the role of a firm’s external supply chain network in its digital transformation, clarifying the context and boundaries in which a firm’s position in the supply chain network influences digital transformation. The results extend the research and theoretical perspective on digital transformation and the consequences of supply chain networks.

Empirical Evaluation and Simulation of the Impact of Global Navigation Satellite System Solutions on Uncrewed Aircraft System–Structure from Motion for Shoreline Mapping and Charting

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UASs) and structure-from-motion/multi-view stereo (SfM/MVS) photogrammetry are efficient methods for mapping terrain at local geographic scales. Traditionally, indirect georeferencing using ground control points (GCPs) is used to georeference the UAS image locations before further processing in SfM software. However, this is a tedious practice and unsuitable for surveying remote or inaccessible areas. Direct georeferencing is a plausible alternative that requires no GCPs. It relies on global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology to georeference the UAS image locations. This research combined field experiments and simulation to investigate GNSS-based post-processed kinematic (PPK) as a means to eliminate or reduce reliance on GCPs for shoreline mapping and charting. The study also conducted a brief comparison of real-time network (RTN) and precise point positioning (PPP) performances for the same purpose. Ancillary experiments evaluated the effects of PPK base station distance and GNSS sample rate on the accuracy of derived 3D point clouds and digital elevation models (DEMs). Vertical root mean square errors (RMSEz), scaled to the 95% confidence interval using an assumption of normally-distributed errors, were desired to be within 0.5 m to satisfy National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requirements for nautical charting. Simulations used a Monte Carlo approach and empirical tests to examine the influence of GNSS performance on the quality of derived 3D point clouds. RTN and PPK results consistently yielded RMSEz values within 10 cm, thus satisfying NOAA requirements for nautical charting. PPP did not meet the accuracy requirements but showed promising results that prompt further investigation. PPK experiments using higher GNSS sample rates did not always provide the best accuracies. GNSS performance and model accuracies were enhanced when using base stations located within 30 km of the survey site. Results without using GCPs observed a direct relationship between point cloud accuracy and GNSS performance, with R2 values reaching up to 0.97.

Bibliometric Analysis of Articles on COVID-19 in the Transportation Industry: An Early Study

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in Wuhan, China in November 2019 and affected the whole world, deeply affected the transportation industry as well as all sectors. The magnitude of the effects is also reflected in the number of academic publications, and the publication pool that would occur in decades has emerged in only 3 years. In this study, a quantitative bibliometric analysis, consisting of performance and collaboration analyses, was conducted to examine the vast publication pool in the context of the transportation sector. "Articles, final versions of articles and articles published in English only" filters were used to limit data. As the time limit, the years 2019-2022 were chosen. As a result of the search made in the Scopus database, a total of 951 articles were reached. R statistical program was used for data analysis and Biblioshiny was used for visualizations. Analyzes were carried out both in the context of all transport modes and separately for each transport mode. The results show that a total of 2605 authors were employed in 951 articles, 155 articles were single-authored, and 796 articles were multi-authored. Results of the analysis have revealed that the most productive countries are the USA and China, the most used keyword is “COVID-19”, the most cited country is Norway, the countries with the most publication cooperation in the context of country collaborations are UK and Hong Kong, the lowest cooperation rate belongs to Türkiye and South Africa. On the other hand, it has been determined that the author with the most academic studies on COVID-19 for transport modes is HAN H. In this study, the most important result revealed within the scope of performance analyzes and cooperation analyzes is that development level of the country and the importance given to education are important variables in country productivity. As the level of development and the importance given to education increase, the number of academic studies also increases. On the other hand, another important result revealed in the study is that early COVID-19 studies receive more citations and occupy central positions in citation networks. In addition, it can be mentioned that method studies are also cited more.

Social Influence in Social-Ecological Systems: Collaborative Capacity and Inter-Organizational Networks in the U.S. Sagebrush.

Collaborative governance has become a prominent, if not dominant, framework for thinking about multi-scalar and cross-jurisdictional environmental management. The literature broadly and consistently suggests that collaborative capacity and inter-organizational networks provide the institutional framework for addressing social-ecological system challenges. Surprisingly little scholarship addresses processes of social influence (or contagion) in social-ecological systems writ large, or more specifically as it relates to collaborative capacity. In this study, we consider the relationship between network position and structure and "collaborative capacity". We use a linear network autocorrelation model to establish a quantifiable, statistical relationship between an organizational-level outcome (collaborative capacity) for organizations that are relationally connected in a network addressing conservation and management issues in the U.S. sagebrush biome. We test three general hypotheses: (1) that social position - operationalized as network centrality - is related to collaborative capacity, (2) that subgroup or community structure - operationalized as modularity - is related to collaborative capacity, and (3) that there is a social contagion effect of collaborative capacity. Our results identify a positive relationship between collaborative capacity and organizations in positions of brokerage as well as evidence of a "collaborative capacity" contagion effect. This work contributes to our understanding of the role of bridging organizations and networks for large-scale environmental management.

Preparedness for and collaboration during regional outbreaks with multidrug-resistant organisms

Abstract Background Outbreaks with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are a significant burden on the healthcare system and the wellbeing of affected patients and carriers. Cross-institutional MDRO outbreaks require a concerted multidisciplinary effort for effective outbreak management. This presents challenges regarding cooperation, coordination and communication between stakeholders. In this study, we investigate collaborative structures and coordination roles in Dutch outbreak response networks and how Dutch healthcare professionals engage in preparedness activities relating to MDRO outbreaks. These findings form the basis for the development of a stress test exercise for improving professional and organizational collaboration and coordination during MDRO outbreaks. Methods Using a mixed-methods design, an online survey and qualitative interviews are conducted among healthcare professionals in two healthcare regions in the Netherlands. Social network analysis is used to gain insight in collaborative structures and brokerage roles. To investigate preparedness activities, the survey is combined with qualitative interviews to explore respondents’ experiences, preferences and needs regarding preparedness activities for MDRO outbreak management. Results During the workshop we will show the cross-organizational network structures, the strengths and weakness of the mutual connections and provide insight in positions in networks, roles and responsibilities. Also, we provide insight in how the use of and experience with training and exercise activities, such as stress tests, contribute to preparedness for MDRO outbreaks in vulnerable patient populations. Conclusions This study shows how healthcare professionals from different organizations collaborate during MDRO outbreaks, and how they engage with preparedness activities. This provides valuable input for development of a stress test specific to MDRO outbreak management, and other interventions to improve outbreak preparedness.

Population age structure shapes selection on social behaviour in a long-lived insect.

Social traits are expected to experience highly context-dependent selection, but we know little about the contextual factors that shape selection on social behaviours. We hypothesized that the fitness consequences of social interactions will depend on the age of social partners, and therefore that population age structure will shape evolutionary pressures on sociality. Here, we investigate the consequences of age variation at multiple levels of social organization for both individual fitness and sexual selection on social network traits. We experimentally manipulated the age composition of populations of the forked fungus beetle Bolitotherus cornutus, creating 12 replicate populations with either young or old age structures. We found that fitness is associated with variance in age at three different levels of organization: the individual, interacting social partners, and the population. Older individuals have higher reproductive success, males pay a fitness cost when they interact with old males and females achieve lower fitness in older populations. In addition to influencing fitness, population age structure also altered the selection acting on social network position in females. Female sociality is under positive selection only in old populations. Our results highlight age structure as an understudied demographic variable shaping the landscape of selection on social behaviour.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Understanding age and society using natural populations'.