How to Prevent Intolerant Agents from High Segregation?

Description

In the framework of Agent-Based Complex Systems we examine dynamics that lead individuals towards spatial segregation. Such systems are constituted of numerous entities, among which local interactions create global patterns which cannot be easily related to the properties of the constituent entities. In the 70's, Thomas C. Schelling showed that an important spatial segregation phenomenon may emerge at the global level, if it is based upon local preferences. Moreover, segregation may occur, even if it does not correspond to agent preferences. In real life preferences regarding segregation are influenced by individual contexts as well as social norms; in this paper we will propose a model which describes the dynamic evolution of individuals tolerance. We will introduce heterogeneity in agents' preferences and allow them to evolve over time taking into account both the individuals tolerance and the neighbourhood's preferences. We will show that it is possible to dynamically get a distribution of tolerance over the agents with a low average and in the same time to deeply limit global aggregation. As the Schelling's model showed that individual tolerance can nevertheless induce global aggregation, this paper takes the opposite view showing that intolerant agents can avoid segregation in some extent.

Abstract

International audience

Additional details