Abstract
We study a one-dimensional version of Axelrod's model of cultural transmission. We classify the equilibrium configurations and analyze their stability. Below a critical threshold, an initially diverse population will converge to a monocultural equilibrium, or ordered state. Above this threshold, the dynamics settle to a multicultural or polarized state. These multicultural attractors are not stable, so that small local perturbations can drive the system towards a monocultural state. Cultural drift is modeled by perturbations (noise) acting at a finite rate. If the noise rate is small, the system reaches a monocultural state. However, if the noise rate is above a size-dependent critical value, noise sustains a polarized dynamical state.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 321-334 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 1-2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 1 2005 |
Keywords
- Agent-based models
- Culture dynamics
- Noise
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Economics and Econometrics
- Control and Optimization
- Applied Mathematics
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Klemm, K., Eguíluz, V. M., Toral, R., & San Miguel, M. (2005). Globalization, polarization and cultural drift. Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, 29(1-2), 321-334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jedc.2003.08.005