Relational integration in schools through seating assignments (version 1.0.0)
We model interpersonal dynamics and study behavior in the classroom in the hypothetical case of a single teacher who defines students’ seating arrangements. The model incorporates the mechanisms of peer influence on study behavior, on attitude formation, and homophilous selection in order to depict the interrelated dynamics of networks, behavior, and attitudes. We compare various seating arrangement scenarios and observe how GPA distribution and level of prejudice changes over time.
Release Notes
Traditional desegregation polices have improved but not fully solved the problems associated with the reproduction of inequalities and interracial prejudice in schools. This is partly because social networks are inherently segregated within integrated schools and the benefits of contact have not fully materialized. Therefore, new kinds of policies are needed to further improve the situation. This model investigates the consequences and efficiency of seating arrangements on academic outcomes and prejudice using an empirically calibrated, agent-based model.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.comses.net/codebases/dc5a18a1-493a-4434-af26-680ade94a313/releases/1.0.0/