We're interested in using agent-based modeling (ABM) to explore the possible social primitives that produce empirical patterns of economic (and other forms of) inequality.
SPECstar is currently composed of two related subprojects:
The SPECscape subproject uses a landscape grid as a modeling construct for agent and landscape interactions, in the spirit of Sugarscape and NetLogo.
The SPECnet subproject uses a social network as the key modeling construct, where interactions are solely based on agent relationships, not geographic proximity.
SPECnet develops its approach with reference to SPECscape and SPECscape develops its approach with reference to SPECnet. They are independent but they actively work to provide contrast where there are differences, build off commonalities where they exist, and seek useful complimentarities where the differences turn out to be useful enhancements.
Our contributors include: