PHASE TRANSITIONS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES: TWO-POPULATION MEAN FIELD THEORY

Abstract

A new mean field statistical mechanics model of two interacting groups of spins is introduced, and the phase transition is studied in terms of their relative size. A jump of the average magnetization is found for large values of the mutual interaction when the relative percentage of the two populations crosses a critical threshold. It is shown how the critical percentage depends on internal interactions and on the initial magnetizations. The model is interpreted as a prototype of resident-immigrant cultural interaction, and conclusions from the social sciences perspectives are drawn.