Mathematical Model of Class Identification Reflecting Discrimination Process

FK Model with Comparative Reference Group

Abstract

     There exist two approaches, deductive and inductive, in the previous studies on class identification. In this paper, considering the articulation between these two approaches, we build a model incorporating the concept of the comparative reference group, which has been repeatedly discussed in deductive approach, into the FK model which is a model of class identification. Second, we develop a discussion to introduce the valid effect on class identification by the comparative reference group and to improve the fitness of the FK model at the micro level. As a result, toward the former purpose, we demonstrate it is logically valid that the effect of the regulation of each stratificational status on class identification increases when one selects the other whom one recognizes the more similarity as the comparative reference group. However, we cannot confirm drastic improvement of the fitness of the FK model.Hereafter, we can expect a model that expresses the actual state of class identification considering the effect of time or level of satisfaction which has been indicated in the statistical studies.