Abstract
Simulations provide an ideal setting for exploring the logical entailments of assumptions through computational modeling. When constructing simulations about the social world, researchers are building what essentially are possible worlds based on the assumptions under consideration. In this chapter, we discuss these two concepts, possible worlds and assumptions, as they pertain to simulation through the case of homeownership. Homeownership has developed as an important social construct in American society, and its place has been reinforced through many forms of direct policy intervention. Research about homeownership posits a causal effect between it and desirable social outcomes, but the logical consequences of this relationship are rarely discussed. We use an agent-based model to explore the assumption that homeownership itself improves communities and demonstrate what this entails for lower-quality areas.
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Heidelberg, R.L. (2012). Exploring Assumptions Through Possible Worlds: The Case of Homeownership. In: Desai, A. (eds) Simulation for Policy Inquiry. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1665-4_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1665-4_8
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