Modelling the emergence of possession norms using memes

In this paper we study the emergence and the effects of a possession norm i n an artificial society. We link the study of norms and the concept of meme s as put forward by Richard Dawkins. Normative behaviour is modelled using memes as carriers for certain behaviours. For our simulations we extend the sugarscape model from Epstein and Axtell (1996) and give the agents the po ssibility to claim possession of a "plot" of land. Memes regulate the behav iour of the agents regarding the land claims of others. It turns out that t he probability for the survival of the population is much higher when posse ssion claims of others are respected. However, there exist short term disad vantages for agents respecting the possessions of others. Thus, the need fo r a possession norm arises. The introduction of sanctions provides a good p ossibility to enforce the norm as long as no costs arise for sanctioning ag ents. We also investigate different kinds of meme propagation and their eff ects on the establishment of the norm.