Modeling the dynamics of intergroup processes under social pressures of majority

Abstract

In this thesis, an integrated framework of individual and group based explanations of social influence is constructed. Having that integrated framework as its basis, a system dynamics model is built to depict major qualitative patterns of attitude, behavior, and group change under the social influences of majority and the minority group that split from the majority. By doing so, the thesis aims at finding out under what conditions such a minority group can survive as a new out-group and whether there are some stable equilibria where both groups sustain themselves under the reciprocal and simultaneous social influences. The simulation results show that (i) unless minority's strength parameter is significantly higher than the majority's, it is impossible for minority to survive as a group, (ii) effectiveness of utilized reward or punishment by the majority in constituting its social pressure has varying impacts on minority not only quantitatively but also qualitatively, depending also on the strength of minority, (iii) antagonism levels of both groups may be an important determinant in whether minority survives or not; it might foster as well as prevent minority’s extinction, and (iv) in the case where minority and majority have the average strength value, a critical initial value of minority’s size decides whether minority becomes extinct or not. The results demonstrate that in some narrow ranges, (i) minority’s strength, (ii) majority’s strength, and (iii) minority’s initial size have nonlinear effects on minority’s ability to sustain a non-zero equilibrium. In addition to these results, complex nonlinear dynamics, counterintuitive and potentially chaotic behaviors are obtained from simulation outputs in certain parameter ranges. Some of these outputs are reported for further inquiry of researchers particularly in the field of dynamical social psychology.