The Research Priority Area, Emergent Phenomena in Society: Polarisation, Segregation and Inequality (RPA PSI) is an interdisciplinary collaboration at the University of Amsterdam with the goal of uncovering the interplay between the various mechanisms underlying the social phenomena of polarization, segregation and inequality combining fundamental research and societal-driven (non-academic) research. The collaboration involves various faculties at the University of Amsterdam, including the Faculty of Science (FNWI), the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences (FMG) and the Faculty of Law (FdR) as well as the the knowledge institute Statistics Netherlands (CBS). 

The study of Polarization, Segregation and Inequality (PSI) is typically conducted in isolation by different research groups using a variety of methodologies. Yet, it has become increasingly clear that these three phenomena are inextricably linked via a web of causal mechanisms, including the effects of policy and law, operating at different temporal and spatial scales. Uncovering such a network is the main goal of this RPA and requires an interdisciplinary approach that brings together strong academically driven research initiatives at the UvA as well as societally driven research at the CBS into a coherent effort. The RPA PSI programme builds upon on a solid foundation of various initiatives and research groups. These include the Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena (DIEP), which is now leading the focus area Foundations and Applications of Emergence (FAEME) at FNWI, aiming to understand emergent behavior over the next five years (Armas, de Boer, Mandjes, Mulatier); the focus area Polarization: an interdisciplinary multi-level approach (PIMA) established at FMG which aims to unify views on polarization in the social/behavioral sciences (van der Maas, Uitermark); the recently awarded ERC Advanced Grant Beyond the tipping point (BTP): cascading transitions in the behavioral/social sciences (van der Maas); the ongoing project on school segregation (COMPASS) funded by the Amsterdam Municipality (Lees); the NETWORKS gravitation programme (Mandjes); the Center for Nonlinear Dynamics in Economics and Finance (CeNDEF) at FEB (Diks, Tuinstra); and The Amsterdam Centre for Transformative Private Law (ACT) at FdR (Mak).

RPA PSI aims at a new integrated understanding of these three social phenomena by modelling insights and data from the social and economic sciences using frameworks based on statistical physics and computational sciences. The main goal of this RPA is the development of a mathematical and computational toolbox suitable for, but not limited to, the study of PSI, as well as a computational model of an artificial society exhibiting PSI that can be constrained with available data from the CBS, the municipality of Amsterdam and other sources. This model will be used to test and design interventions aimed at reducing current levels of PSI. We expect that the engagement with policy makers on this topic via the POLDER Simulation Centre led by the Institute for Advanced Study at the University of Amsterdam, can support an evidence-based policy making process.

The fundamental understanding of the network of causal relationships between the three emergent phenomena (PSI) will be used to develop a monitoring tool that can serve as an indicator of critical levels of societal disintegration, with potentially high societal impact. More generally, we expect that the deeper understanding of PSI gained through this coordinated research effort will improve the social impact of policies, legislation and interventions and potentially lead to a more equal and fair society.