Modelling transitions between egalitarian, dynamic leader and absolutist power structures

Bryden, J., Silverman, E. and Powers, S. T. (2022) Modelling transitions between egalitarian, dynamic leader and absolutist power structures. PLoS ONE, 17(2), e0263665. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263665) (PMID:35157720) (PMCID:PMC8843174)

Abstract

Human groups show a variety of leadership dynamics ranging from egalitarian groups with no leader, to groups with changing leaders, to absolutist groups with a single long-term leader. Here, we model transitions between these different phases of leadership dynamics, investigating the role of inequalities in relationships between individuals. Our results demonstrate a novel riches-to-rags class of leadership dynamics where a leader can be replaced by a new individual. We note that the transition between the three different phases of leadership dynamics resembles transitions in leadership dynamics during the Neolithic period of human history. We argue how technological developments, such as food storage and/or weapons which allow one individual to control large quantities of resources, would mean that relationships became more unequal. In general terms, we provide a model of how individual relationships can affect leadership dynamics and structures.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Silverman, Dr Eric

Creator Roles

Silverman, E.: Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Bryden, J., Silverman, E., and Powers, S. T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: PLoS ONE
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• ISSN: 1932-6203
• ISSN (Online): 1932-6203
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 Bryden et al.
• First Published: First published in PLoS ONE 17(2):e0263665
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons Licence

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
304823001	1	Complexity in health	Sharon Simpson	Medical Research Council (MRC)	MC_UU_00022/1	HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
304823006	1	Complexity in health	Sharon Simpson	Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSO)	SPHSU16	HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
303087		PHASE: The Population HeAlth Simulation nEtwork	Laurence Moore	Medical Research Council (MRC)	MR/S037594/1	SHW - MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit