Social Mechanisms of Social Statuses, Hierarchical Structures, and Social Inequalities

Previous studies have examined social mechanisms generating cooperative relationships or segregation within social groups through interaction at the agent level. Examples of such significant studies include J. S. Coleman’s social network model on social cooperation and T. Schelling’s segregation model. By applying these models to issues regarding social power and social inequality, it is expected that social mechanisms generating social status or hierarchical social structures within our societies can be uncovered. For instance, strong cooperative relationships within a social group might be associated with opposition relationships between social groups and therefore related to conflict with other social groups over social resources.

In this session, to theoretically and empirically discuss social mechanisms generating social status, social power structures, and social inequality in our society, studies regarding the interplay between agency and structure in terms of micro-macro modeling are expected. As an example of a theoretical model at the micro level linked to phenomena at the macro level, the rational choice model or a cognitive psychological model might be utilized. However, these are not the only models used to explain micro-macro linking. Other possible models regarding the interplay between agency and structure will also be welcome. Similarly, as examples of methods to explore social mechanisms, experimental methods, agent-based simulations, or social surveys might be considered. However, other possible methods (for instance, social theoretical analysis, historical analysis, or qualitative analysis) will also be welcome. We highly anticipate that how and why social power structures emerge will be uncovered.