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Giant Catalytic Effect of Altruists in Schelling's Segregation Model
Pablo Jensen1,2, Thomas Matreux1,2,3, Jordan Cambe1,2
1Institut Rhônalpin des Systemes Complexes, IXXI, Lyon F-69342, France.
Physical Review Letters
|June 5, 2018
Summary
Introducing even a small number of altruistic agents dramatically improves residential utility in segregation models. Altruists help systems reach optimal steady states, avoiding suboptimal outcomes from purely self-interested agents.
Area of Science:
- Socioeconomics
- Agent-based modeling
- Urban studies
Background:
- Residential segregation models often assume purely self-interested agents.
- Suboptimal equilibria can arise in systems with only egoistic agents.
- The impact of altruism on segregation dynamics is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of introducing altruistic agents into a Schelling-like model of residential segregation.
- To quantify the impact of altruism on system-wide utility and equilibrium states.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Schelling-like agent-based model.
- Simulated the introduction of varying proportions of altruistic agents alongside egoistic agents.
- Analyzed changes in collective utility and system equilibrium.
Main Results:
- An infinitesimal proportion of altruists had significant catalytic effects on collective utility.
- Altruists facilitated a transition from suboptimal to optimal steady states.
- The presence of altruists fundamentally altered the system's segregation dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Altruistic agents can act as powerful catalysts for improving social welfare in segregated systems.
- Even minimal altruism can overcome the limitations of purely egoistic agent models.
- Findings suggest potential interventions for mitigating segregation and enhancing urban utility.
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