} There are lots of interesting models of participation in religion and
} status seeking. But we tend to not add these effects when we are
} modeling other phenomena. We tend to think that these systems are
} robust enough that we do not need to model everything in great detail
} to see the dominant processes. But if could be that social systems
} are not as modular as this, and we really have to understand
} everything at once to understand anything. If so, it may be pretty
} hopeless.
Well, I'd be willing to risk saying that current economic models do
explain a lot of behavior. But at some point you want to add more
modules to explain the rest of behavior, as well as revising the old
models in light of the new interactions.
Merry part,
-xx- Damien R. Sullivan X-) <*> http://www.ugcs.caltech.edu/~phoenix
"She wondered if one's time at college might be better served with
friends like Thomas than with lovers like Nick." -- _Tam Lin_