A Simulation Model of Cultural Consensus and Persistent Conflict

Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Computational Cultural Dynamics (ICCCD-08)

Volume

Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Computational Cultural Dynamics (ICCCD-08)

Contents

In this study we develop a highly simplified simulation of diffusion through a structured society. By testing diffusion of a single arbitrary trait through different social network structures we show that the type of social network can significantly extend the time required for a population to reach consensus. This is especially true of small-world networks where conflict may persist far longer than in other network structures. In addition, we demonstrate that with simple dynamic linking rules, a network may evolve in such a way that consensus is inhibited altogether and ideological diversity becomes entrenched. To assess simulation results and inform future versions of the model we describe results from a real-world case study in which networked actors experience persistent conflict. While results of the case study align with simulation output, they also reveal areas for substantial improvement to the model.