An algebra of social distance

Abstract

This paper continues with the idea of social distance, proposed in [2] and introduces an algebra with two operators for group social distance and lead distance. It essentially extends the concept of social distance from individual level to group level, formally specifying how a group is socially distanced from an opportunity that intends development. It also proposes a measure to find how one influences others in a group resulting social improvement measured by a metric called lead distance. The paper analyzes the effects due to joining of different types of people where types are found based on their social privileges in accessing a social resource. Social difference between two is computed from their social distances, and the difference leads to social entropy of a group. Increase in entropy leads to group fragmentation. It is shown that group fragmentation can be controlled to give rise to desired sub groups. Our aim is to develop a computing methods for social engineering leading towards inclusive society. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.