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Chaos, Solitons & Fractals
Volume 18, Issue 3, October 2003, Pages 431-437
Complex Economic Phenomena in Time and Space in honour of Prof. Tonu Puu
 
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doi:10.1016/S0960-0779(02)00666-5    How to Cite or Link Using DOI (Opens New Window)
Copyright © 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Sociodynamics––a systematic approach to mathematical modelling in the social sciences

Wolfgang WeidlichE-mail The Corresponding Author

II. Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, Stuttgart, D-70550, Germany

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
3.2.1. Interpretation of the transition rates
3.3. Step 3: Evolution equations for the macrovariables
3.3.1. The master equation
3.3.2. Equations for mean values and quasi-meanvalues
4. Examples of sociodynamic models
References

Chaos, Solitons & Fractals
Volume 18, Issue 3, October 2003, Pages 431-437
Complex Economic Phenomena in Time and Space in honour of Prof. Tonu Puu
 
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