Final answer:
The principle of homophily is the theory that individuals tend to form social relationships with people who are similar to themselves. While it can facilitate social bonding, it also limits exposure to diversity and can lead to homogeneous groups and in-group bias.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle of homophily is C) the theory that individuals prefer to develop social bonds with people who look and act like themselves. Homophily describes a tendency for people to form social networks with others who are similar to them in various aspects, such as background, attitudes, and lifestyle. Sharing common interests and values makes it easier for individuals to get along and relate to each other, which can lead to forming friendships, marriages, business relationships, and other types of social connections.
However, homophily has its drawbacks, such as creating homogeneous groups that limit exposure to diverse perspectives. This can result in in-group bias, where individuals show a preference for their own group over others, which can further lead to group polarization and groupthink, reinforcing only the originally held attitudes and opinions within the group. Therefore, while homophily can simplify the process of bond formation, it can also reduce the richness of diversity experienced within a social circle.