Identity in Agent-Based Models : Issues and Applications

Abstract

Identity plays a central role in many current events of interest and importance. This paper examines a representative sample of the computational social science (CSS) literature which incorporates notions of identity or processes of identity formation. Building on some of the ideas present in the modeling literature, we then proceed to introduce a multilevel conceptual framework for the modeling of complex and fluid identity dynamics, with a focus on competing and loosely defined political groups.