13 research outputs found
Statistical mechanics of voting
Decision procedures aggregating the preferences of multiple agents can
produce cycles and hence outcomes which have been described heuristically as
`chaotic'. We make this description precise by constructing an explicit
dynamical system from the agents' preferences and a voting rule. The dynamics
form a one dimensional statistical mechanics model; this suggests the use of
the topological entropy to quantify the complexity of the system. We formulate
natural political/social questions about the expected complexity of a voting
rule and degree of cohesion/diversity among agents in terms of random matrix
models---ensembles of statistical mechanics models---and compute quantitative
answers in some representative cases.Comment: 9 pages, plain TeX, 2 PostScript figures included with epsf.tex
(ignore the under/overfull \vbox error messages
Trabalho precário e precarização institucional nos Estados Unidos Precarious work and the institutional precarization in the United States
Este artigo analisa as bases institucionais do trabalho precário nos Estados Unidos através de um duplo processo de precarização: da relação contratual tradicional e, dada a fragmentação do quadro institucional, a inadaptação da lei trabalhista dos Estados Unidos. O texto procura enfatizar a importância do estatuto do trabalhador - a relação contratual de emprego - para o acesso do mesmo aos direitos e benefícios sociais básicos. Os efeitos da recente crise econômica e a resposta das políticas públicas são discutidos na conclusão.<br>We analyze the institutional underpinnings of precarious work in the United States through a double process of precarization: of the traditional contractual relationship and given the fragmented institutional framework and the inadaptation of U.S. labor law. The importance of the employee status - the contractual employment relationship - for access to social rights and basic benefits is emphasized. Effects of the recent economic crisis and public policy response are discussed in conclusion