The Role of Network Structure and Initial Group Norm Distributions in Norm Conflict

Abstract

Social norms can facilitate societal coexistence in groups by providing an implicitly shared set of expectations and behavioral guidelines. However, different social groups can hold different norms, and lacking an overarching normative consensus can lead to conflict within and between groups. In this chapter, we present an agent-based model that simulates the adoption of norms in two interacting groups. We explore this phenomenon while varying relative group sizes and homophily/heterophily (two features of network structure), and initial group norm distributions. Agents update their norm according to an adapted version of Granovetter's threshold model, using a uniform distribution of thresholds. We study the impact of network structure and initial norm distributions on the process of achieving norma-(eds). Computational Conflict Research. Cham: Springer Nature.) 1 2 J. Kohne, N. Gallagher, Z.M. Kirgil, R. Paolillo, L. Padmos, F. Karimi tive consensus and the resulting potential for intragroup and intergroup conflict. Our results show that norm change is most likely when norms are strongly tied to group membership. Groups end up with the most similar norm distributions when networks are heterophilic, with small to middling minority groups. High homophilic networks show high potential intergroup conflict and low potential intragroup conflict, while the opposite pattern emerges for high heterophilic networks.

Gender essentialism and the mental representation of transgender women and men: A multimethod investigation of stereotype content

“…Stereotypes have been conceptualized and studied in terms of both the general beliefs individuals hold about social groups, as well as the culturally consensual representations of groups (Gardner, 1994). These perspectives are mutually informative, since individuals vary in the extent to which they accept and reinforce widely shared cultural stereotypes (Arendt, 2013; Kohne et al, 2020;Lyons & Kashima, 2003;Payne et al, 2019) or contest them (Rogers & Way, 2018). In the present context, we found clear evidence of individual-level variability in the stereotyping of gender groups, but overall, transgender groups were generally marked by perceived atypicality and de-gendering.…”

Advances in the agent-based modeling of economic and social behavior

“…For example, by accounting for homophily in social interactions based on empirical evidence, one can model the spread and adoption of norms between majority and minority groups more realistically (Kohne et al. 2020 ).…”

Gender Essentialism and the Mental Representation of Transgender Women and Men: A Multimethod Investigation of Stereotype Content

“…For example, on average in the US, scientists are expected to be male (e.g., Miller, Nolla, Eagly, & Uttal, 2018) and Black men are expected to be dangerous (e.g., Oliver, 2003). Such stereotypes are transmitted in overt and implicit ways through the mass media and other forms of socialization; people can learn and reinforce them without meaning to do so (e.g., Arendt, 2013; Kohne et al, 2020;Lyons & Kashima, 2003;Payne, Vuletich, & Brown-Iannuzzi, 2019). Above and beyond positive or negative attitudes towards social groups (i.e., outgroup prejudice and ingroup preference), the descriptive content of cultural stereotypes affects how people are treated and dictates the specific forms of discrimination to which they are vulnerable (Bodenhausen et al, 1998).…”