Eur. Phys. J. B 25, 403-406 (2002)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e20020045

Minority opinion spreading in random geometry

Laboratoire des Milieux Désordonnés et Hétérogènes, Tour 13, Case 86, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France

Corresponding author: ^a galam@ccr.jussieu.fr

Received: 23 January 2002
Published online: 15 February 2002

Abstract

The dynamics of spreading of the minority opinion in public debates (a reform proposal, a behavior change, a military retaliation) is studied using a diffusion reaction model. People move by discrete step on a landscape of random geometry shaped by social life (offices, houses, bars, and restaurants). A perfect world is considered with no advantage to the minority. A one person-one argument principle is applied to determine locally individual mind changes. In case of equality, a collective doubt is evoked which in turn favors the Status Quo. Starting from a large in favor of the proposal initial majority, repeated random size local discussions are found to drive the majority reversal along the minority hostile view. Total opinion refusal is completed within few days. Recent national collective issues are revisited. The model may apply to rumor and fear propagation.