Networks, Property, and the Division of Labor.

We use a simulation-based method to consider the effect of different network structures on the propensity for economic producers to develop a complementary division of labor. We use a graph-coloring game, in which nodes are given incentives to find a color that does not match their nearest neighbors...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:American Sociological Review Vol. 86; no. 4; pp. 759 - 787
Autores principales: Erikson, Emily, Shirado, Hirokazu
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Sage Publications Inc. Aug2021
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:We use a simulation-based method to consider the effect of different network structures on the propensity for economic producers to develop a complementary division of labor. We use a graph-coloring game, in which nodes are given incentives to find a color that does not match their nearest neighbors, to represent the interdependent coordination problems inherent to the division of labor. We find that a decentralized development of a division of labor is difficult, particularly when too many specializations are chosen. Counterintuitively, a division of labor is more likely to evolve when the ability of agents to specialize is more constrained. The ability to store property also facilitates the development of a division of labor.