How can statistical mechanics contribute to social science?

S N Durlauf

doi:10.1073/pnas.96.19.10582

How can statistical mechanics contribute to social science?

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Sep 14;96(19):10582-4. doi: 10.1073/pnas.96.19.10582.

Author

S N Durlauf¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin, 1180 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1393, USA. sdurlauf@ssc.wisc.edu

Abstract

A model of interdependent decision making has been developed to understand group differences in socioeconomic behavior such as nonmarital fertility, school attendance, and drug use. The statistical mechanical structure of the model illustrates how the physical sciences contain useful tools for the study of socioeconomic phenomena.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Behavior
Decision Making*
Humans
Models, Statistical*
Social Sciences*
Socioeconomic Factors