Crime as a complex system Comment on "Statistical physics of crime: A review" by MR D'Orsogna and M. Perc

Abstract

[Excerpt] Maria R. D'Orsogna and Matjaž Perc [1] summarize, in this review, a growing body of research that applies mathematical methods, some of which originating in statistical physics, to the understanding of the emergence and diffusion of crime.

As they state, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the emergence and diffusion of crime is very limited, particularly when quantitative models are considered. It is undeniable that the intricacies of Human behavior are so complex that there is little hope that one is able to model theoretically, in detail, every aspect of a human population of decision makers. Yet, what at first seems to be an apparent disadvantage turns out to be amenable to constitute an advantage. In fact, the interference of such a diverse plethora of complex behaviors may actually render the description of average salient properties and their evolution not only feasible but also prone to be governed by considerably simpler laws [2]. In this sense, a statistical mechanics approach may provide important clues on the impact of simple, yet general, concepts which, together, lead to the emergence of the complex dynamics associated with crime. For the same reason, the recent use of evolutionary game theory methods looks very promising, as the socioeconomics of crime can be seen as a complex ecological system, where conflicts of interest, and relations of cooperation or exploitation prevail. [...]