Conflict and distribution

We develop a behavioral model that links the level and pattern of social co nflict to the societywide distribution of individual characteristics. The m odel can be applied to groups that differ in characteristics such as wealth , ethnicity, religion, and political ideology. We settle questions of exist ence and uniqueness of conflict equilibrium. Conflict is seen to be closely connected with the bimodality of the underlying distribution of characteri stics. However, in general, the conflict-distribution relationship is nonli near and surprisingly complex. Our results on conflict patterns also throw light on the phenomena of extremism and moderation. (C) 1999 Academic Press .