Mesa example model idea: Demonstrating the Ratchet Effect

[EwoutH]

Overview

I'd like to propose creating an example model that demonstrates the Ratchet effect - a phenomenon where systems can easily move in one direction but resist moving in the opposite direction. This concept appears in many social and economic contexts and would make for an insightful addition to our examples.

Potential Implementation: Remote Work Policies

A model focusing on remote work policies could effectively demonstrate the ratchet effect:

• Agents: Workers and employers with varying preferences
• Environment: Workplace infrastructure (physical and digital)
• Ratchet Mechanism: Once workers adapt to remote work (new habits, home office setup, residential relocation), returning to previous work arrangements becomes increasingly difficult

Interesting Modeling Aspects

This example could showcase several important Mesa capabilities:

1. Expectation Formation: How agents form and update expectations about work arrangements

2. Multi-level Ratchet Effects:

   • Individual level (habits, preferences)
   • Physical environment (office vs home setup)
   • Social networks (changing connections between colleagues)
   • Organizational policies

3. Path Dependency: How initial conditions and small changes lead to lock-in effects

Connection to Mesa Development

This example could contribute to ongoing discussions about:

• How to model agent states and transitions States discussion
• Approaches for modeling perception and expectation updating
• Demonstrating adaptive behavior in more complex social systems

Alternative Domains

While remote work seems particularly relevant, the ratchet effect could also be demonstrated in:

• Healthcare (adoption of treatments or technologies)
• Housing markets (gentrification processes)
• Transportation/mobility (infrastructure changes)

Next Steps

If there's interest in this example, I'd be happy to discuss specific implementation details further.