Schelling's Model
Thomas Schelling's model of residential segregation is a classic study of the effects of local decisions on global dynamics. Agents with mild preferences for same-type neighbors, but without preferences for segregated neighborhoods, can wind up producing complete segregation.
Schelling Segregation
There are many implementations of the Schelling model. Below is a simple NetLogo implementation that gives the user access to the source code, which is easily modified.
Segregation Model
Extensions to Schelling
Many researchers have developed extensions and refinements of Schelling's model. Recent work by the sociologists Bruch and Mare explores the use of a sigmoidal function in the agents' decision-making algorithm. Their results suggest that this small change to the algorithm substantially alters Schelling's original results.
Bruch and Mare on Schelling Segregation
