A Formal Approach to the Problem of Discrimination

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  • 差別問題にたいするフォーマル・アプローチ
  • サベツ モンダイ ニ タイスル フォーマル アプローチ

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Abstract

The paper aims (1) to construct models of processes involving discrimination, and (2) to introduce the reader to the logic of model construction or mathematical sociology per se.<br>　Our models assume that the behavior of an actor is determined by his state of mind, which is determined by the former in turn by feedback process. With a set of axioms as well as other basic assumptions, a stochastic model called an absorbing Markov chain is constructed to represent the process which eventually reaches an absorbing state, an "ideal state" where no discrimination occurs whatsoever. We then compute the average number of steps before the process enters the absorbing state, and derive the expected number of discriminatory responses before absorption.<br>　By way of parameter analysis, we examined what strategy or policy is to be adopted in order to attain the assumed goal of either decreasing the number of steps before absorption and/or decreasing the number of discriminatory responses before absorption. It is shown that some conclusions may coincide with our "common sense" but some do not.

Journal

  • SOSHIOROJI

    SOSHIOROJI 23 (2), 1-16,111, 1978

    SHAKAIGAKU KENKYUKAI

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