Like other forms of social networks, sexual networks can be formally studied using the mathematics ofgraph theory andnetwork theory.[1][2]
Recentepidemiological studies[3] have investigated sexual networks, and suggest that the statistical properties of sexual networks are crucial to the spread ofsexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sub-graphs, both large and small, can be defined within the overall sexual network graph; for example, people who frequent particular bars or clubs, belong to a particular ethnic group or take part in a particular type of sexual activity, or are part of a particular outbreak of an STI. In particular,assortative mixing between people with large numbers of sexual partners seems to be an important factor in the spread of an STI.
In a surprising result, mathematical models predict that the sexual network graph for the human race appears to have a singlegiant component that indirectly links almost all people who have had more than one sexual partner, and a great many of those who have had only one sexual partner (if their one sexual partner was themselves part of the giant component).[citation needed]
For more detailed epidemiological work, the time sequence of sexual contacts is important.
^Liljeros, Fredrik; Christofer R. Edling; Luis A. Nunes Amaral (2003). "Sexual networks: implications for the transmission of sexually transmitted infections".Microbes and Infection.5 (2):189–196.doi:10.1016/s1286-4579(02)00058-8.PMID12650777.
Bearman, P. S.; Moody, J.; Stovel, K. (2004). "Chains of Affection: The Structure of Adolescent Romantic and Sexual Networks".American Journal of Sociology.110 (1):44–91.CiteSeerX10.1.1.483.9666.doi:10.1086/386272.S2CID13493350.
O'Connor, M. L. (1999). "Sexual Network Patterns Contribute to Racial Disparities in Disease Risk. Family".Planning Perspectives.31 (6):309–310.doi:10.2307/2991545.JSTOR2991545.
Choudhury, B.; Risley, C.; Ghani, A.; Bishop, C.; Ward, H.; Fenton, K.; Spratt, B. (2006). "Identification of individuals with gonorrhoea within sexual networks: a population-based study".Lancet.368 (9530):139–146.doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69003-X.PMID16829298.S2CID21770641.
Day, S. S.; Ward, H. H. (1998). "Sexual networks: The integration of social and genetic data".Social Science & Medicine.47 (12):1981–92.doi:10.1016/s0277-9536(98)00306-2.PMID10075241.
Morris, Martina; Zavisca, Jane; Dean, Laura (1995). "Social and sexual networks: Their role in the spread of HIV/AIDS among young gay men".AIDS Education and Prevention.7 (Suppl):24–35.PMID8664095.
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