Description

This article presents a non-linear modeling framework to capture the intricate dynamics of social systems. Within this framework it is possible to capture both gradual and abrupt transitions in Social systems. Outlining the features of self-organizing behavior and complexity theory, the relevance has been highlighted in the context of social dynamics. Social systems are essentially complex structures capable of self- organization, exhibiting a rich variety of features like bifurcation, hysteresis and multiple equilibria. Conventional linear approach is too simplistic a framework to capture and deal with such phenomena. A number of specific models which describe these qualitative changes in a variety of social systems they simulate, and also explain the forces that govern their evolutionary behavior, are discussed.