How do Non-Linear Relations of Social Macro-Variables Arise from Aggregation of Individual Decisions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10142429 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Volker Müller‐benedict (0000-0001-7747-3090, Europa-Universität Flensburg, corresponding author), Volker Müller-Benedict |
| Year | 2006 |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 137-158 |
| Publication date | 2006-03-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Mathematical Sociology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-250X • E-ISSN: 1545-5874 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/00222500500547113 |
| OpenAlex | W2032349109 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 14 |
There are three different reasons why non-linear functions between social macro-variables (aggregates) may arise. They can be related to three basic steps of a specific model of explanation of social phenomena, defined by Coleman: the logic of situation, the logic of selection and the logic of transition. Starting with a model of one linear difference equation, a change to three different non-linear system equations can generate stable cycles, bifurcations, and chaos. These non-linear system equations can be deduced from simple assumptions about individual or institutional social attributes. It is shown that a) non-linear individual reactions, b) different selection rules for actors having different social attributes and c) institutional constraints resulting in different transition processes are possible causes for non-linearity at the system level. Furthermore it is demonstrated that the assumption of non-linear but homogeneous reactions of all persons have a similar effect on non-linearity, like it is the case for different selection rules. However, despite of being able to show mathematically the possibility of chaos, it has to be said that chaos as a durable state of social systems is very improbable
CHAOS (operating system · Epistemology · Linearity · Macro · Mathematical economics · Physics · Selection (genetic algorithm · Simple (philosophy · Social system · Statistical physics · Applied Mathematics · Artificial Intelligence · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Complex Systems and Time Series Analysis · Computer Science · Mathematics · Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence
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The Fractal Geometry of Nature
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Advances in prospect theory
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The Cyclical Overproduction of Graduates in Germany in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
Reproduction in education, society, and culture
Politics and the Environment
On Education, opportunity, and social inequality
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |