Cultural polarization and the role of extremist agents: A simple simulation model

Abstract

Cultural dynamics can be heavily influenced by extremists. To better understand this influence, temporal dynamics of an arbitrary cultural belief are simulated in a simple computational model. Extremist agents, holding an immutable and extreme belief, are used to examine the process of polarization - adoption of the extremist belief by the entire population. Two possible methods of counteracting polarization are examined, removal of the extremist agent and introducing a counter-extremist which holds an immutable belief at the opposite extreme. Eliminating the extremist agent is only effective at the onset of cultural transition, while introducing a counter-extremist is effective at any time and will lead to a dynamic intermediate belief. Finally, a parameter governing the society's willingness to adopt new beliefs is varied. As it decreases, extremist agents are unable polarize a society. Instead the population breaks permanently into two or more belief groups. The study closes with a possible pathway for extremists to nevertheless polarize a society not open to new beliefs. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.