The dynamics of cooperation, power, and inequality in a group-structured society.

ABSTRACT: Most human societies are characterized by the presence of different identity groups which cooperate but also compete for resources and power. To deepen our understanding of the underlying social dynamics, we model a society subdivided into groups with constant sizes and dynamically changing powers. Both individuals within groups and groups themselves participate in collective actions. The groups are also engaged in political contests over power which determines how jointly produced resources are divided. Using analytical approximations and agent-based simulations, we show that the model exhibits rich behavior characterized by multiple stable equilibria and, under some conditions, non-equilibrium dynamics. We demonstrate that societies in which individuals act independently are more stable

SUBMITTER: Tverskoi D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8455579 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature