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Threshold Models

Granovetter's threshold model: Each person has a threshold for participation. They join when enough neighbors have already joined. Small differences in threshold distribution create dramatically different outcomes.

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Granovetter's Model

Each person has a threshold: the fraction of neighbors who must participate before they join. Different threshold distributions lead to:

• Cascades: Collective action spreads
• Stagnation: Movement never takes off
• Tipping points: Small changes → big effects

Color intensity shows threshold: darker = higher threshold needed