A Bayesian Model of Image of Societal Distribution

In this presentation, I propose a Bayesian model describing the process of formation of one’s image of a certain kind of societal distribution of societal resources, such as income and prestige. The Bayesian statistical model presuppose the process in which somewhat vague prior information (prior distribution of parameters in statistical terms) is updated by empirical data and then turns to be more concrete posterior information (posterior distribution of parameters). By application of this Bayesian framework, forming process of image of societal distribution can well be modeled as empirical model as well as theoretical formal model.

By employing this proposing model, I try to analyze people’s image of societal income distribution and image of stratification in the society by using Japanese survey dataset, with the question through what kind of experience they formed their images. Examination of image formation of societal distribution would help to explain the mechanisms of perception of unfairness and inequality which is one of the important themes in the study of social inequality and social psychology.