Phase transition in the generalized stochastic block model

Abstract

We study the problem of detecting the community structure from the generalized stochastic block model (GSBM). Based on the analysis of the Stieljtes transform of the empirical spectral distribution, we prove a BBP-type transition for the largest eigenvalue of the GSBM. For specific models, such as a hidden community model and an unbalanced stochastic model, we provide precise formulas for the two largest eigenvalues, establishing the gap in the BBP-type transition.