Copyright © 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Sociodynamics––a systematic approach to mathematical modelling in the social sciences
Available online 26 February 2003.
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Abstract
A general concept is presented which allows of setting up mathematical models for stochastic and quasi-deterministic dynamic processes in social systems.
The basis of this concept is the master equation for the probability distribution over appropriately chosen personal and material macrovariables of the society. The probabilistic transition rates depend on motivation potentials governing the decisions and actions of the social agents. The transition from the probability distribution to quasi-meanvalues leads to in general nonlinear coupled differential equations for the macrovariables of the chosen social sector. Up to now several models about population dynamics, collective political opinion formation, dynamics of economic processes and the formation of settlements have been published.
Article Outline
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The intention of sociodynamics
- 3. The main steps of the modelling procedure
- 3.1. Step 1: The configuration of macrovariables
- 3.1.1. The configuration of collective material variables
- 3.1.2. Collective personal variables: the socioconfiguration
- 3.2. Step 2: Transition rates between macroconfigurations and their interpretation
- 3.3. Step 3: Evolution equations for the macrovariables
- 4. Examples of sociodynamic models
- References







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