Using Agent Based Modeling to Interpret Underlying Factors of Underrepresentation of Minorities in Hollywood Films

Abstract

Based on examination of top grossing films it is clear there exists racial underrepresentation in Hollywood movies. I propose a socioeconomic approach to examine the Hollywood labor system as a network using an agent based model (ABM) within a notional movie labor market based on preferential attachment and compare the findings with 50 co-production ego networks during the 2015 movie cycle. Using an ABM, I test the hypothesis that slight individual preference for racial and ethnic similarity within one’s own network at the microlevel sufficiently explains the phenomena of Hollywood underrepresentation at the macrolevel. Using regression analysis of the real world 2015 co-actor networks I test the hypothesis that race/ethnic minority status affects ones position within the network of successful actors. In both cases, the hypotheses are not sufficient to explain the phenomena and I propose further exploration into causes of opportunity loss in accessing the labor market.