Capturing Social Embeddedness: a constructivist approach - Bruce Edmonds

Abstract

A constructivist approach is applied to characterising social embeddedness. Social embeddedness is intended as a strong type of social situatedness. It is defined as the extent to which modelling the behaviour of an agent requires the inclusion of other agents as individuals rather than as an undifferentiated whole. Possible consequences of the presence of social embedding and ways to check for it are discussed. A model of co-developing agents is exhibited which demonstrates the possibility of social embedding. This is an extension of Brian Arthur's `El Farol Bar' model, with added learning and communication. Some indicators of social embedding are analysed and some possible causes of social embedding are discussed. It is suggested that social embeddedness may be an explanation of the causal link between the social situatedness of the agent and it employing a constructivist strategy in its modelling.

Keywords: simulation, embedding, agents, social, constructivism, co-evolution

Capturing Social Embeddedness: a constructivist approach - Bruce Edmonds - 30 OCT 98

[Next] [Previous] [Top] [Contents]

Generated with CERN WebMaker