Agent-Based Simulation of the Effect of Generosity Behavior Variable on Wealth Distribution in Urban Fabric

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. student in Economics, University of Tehran, Iran

2 Professor of Applied Economics, University of Tehran

10.22059/ijsp.2025.380082.671250

Abstract

An agent-based model is a computational model used in social sciences and economics to simulate the behavior of individual agents (such as households, companies, or governments) and how their interactions with each other and the environment affect the overall system outcomes. Agent-based models are designed to capture the complexity of real-world social systems by simulating the behavior of numerous agents. Each agent follows specific decision-making rules and strategies and often incorporates learning and adaptation mechanisms. In this study, based on an agent-based model, the impact of generosity on wealth distribution is simulated using the NetLogo software. Through these simulations, various indicators such as the number of poor individuals in society, the Gini coefficient, the percentage of satisfaction with living conditions, and the distribution of the urban fabric were compared. The results clearly show that systems incorporating generosity significantly reduce poverty and inequality. Findings indicate that generosity can promote equity, facilitate fair distribution of income and wealth, and decrease the Gini coefficient.
Moreover, the model demonstrates that if a community exhibits greater empathy and prioritizes altruistic values when choosing their living environment, a more homogeneous urban fabric and society will emerge, leading to reduced class disparities in urban areas.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Social Problems of Iran
Volume 15, Issue 2
March 2024
Pages 177-195

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