On the role of structured initial conditions in the Schelling model

Despite the ubiquity of hierarchical structures found in every complex system, random initial conditions are preestablished in several Sociophysics models. In this work, we show the remarkable differences between both assumptions applied to the case of the renowned segregation Schelling model for minorities. It is found that, under a simple quasi non parametric Schelling model with structured initial conditions, the segregation phenomenon shows a local or short-range behavior, developing at the borders of the minority–majority agent pattern and leaving the macroscopic agent structure mostly unaltered. Besides, it is found that the highest uncontrollability regime pointed out in a previous article, perfectly corresponds to where system segregation blows up.