Explaining Social Change Using a Dynamic Network Model

• In Event: 087 - Section on Rationality and Society Paper Session. Sustainable Cooperation and Individual Interests in a Changing World

Abstract

In social theory, ancient societies are frequently seen as ‘traditional’ in the sense of static. However, from anthropological and archeological findings, we know that ancient societies were not static. Rather, over time, ancient societies evolved to become more complex. This paper proposes that it is the dynamic nature of status influence structures found in chiefdoms that produce instability, and eventually, social change into states, a politically and economically more complex form of organization. In this paper we model status influence structures and show how competition to avoid downward mobility produces social evolution. To create a more complete view of social transformation, we include models of coercion and link them to the rate of change.

Authors

• Yamilette Chacon, University of South Carolina

• Pamela E. Emanuelson, North Dakota State University