ABSTRACT

Micro-Macro Links and Microfoundations in Sociology focuses on two main issues in sociology. Firstly, how macro-conditions can explain macro-outcomes mediated by actor behaviour at the micro-level (micro-macro links). Secondly, how alternative micro-models affect macro-outcomes (microfoundations). The contributions reflect key features of micro-macro modelling in sociology as well as recent progress in this field. The chapters address core features of explanations of social phenomena using micro-macro models, the problem of cooperation, heterogeneity of actors, structural balance, opinion formation, segregation, and problems of micro-macro models that are based on rational choice assumptions. Moreover, the contributions show how different research methods can be applied fruitfully, such as laboratory experiments, equilibrium analysis, and agent-based modelling.

As a result, the book can be a guide for graduate students who want to develop their skills in building micro-macro models. In addition, the book provides specialists of the different substantive research areas with up-to-date new developments in their research area.

This book was originally published as a special issue of Journal of Mathematical Sociology.

chapter 1|25 pages

Introduction

Micro-Macro Links and Microfoundations in Sociology

chapter 2|40 pages

Micromotives, Microstructure, and Macrobehavior

The Case of Voluntary Cooperation

chapter 5|32 pages

Generative Models of Segregation

Investigating Model-Generated Patterns of Residential Segregation by Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status

chapter 7|32 pages

Self-Organization and Emergence in Social Systems

Modeling the Coevolution of Social Environments and Cooperative Behavior

chapter 8|26 pages

Modeling Micro-Macro Relationships

Problems and Solutions