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Group reciprocity and the evolution of stereotyping
Alexander J Stewart1, Nichola Raihani2
1School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9SS, UK.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|January 18, 2023
Summary
This study shows how group size and cognitive costs shape stereotypes. Large groups and high costs lead to negative stereotypes, while economic shocks can worsen animosity.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Evolutionary Game Theory
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Stereotypes are generalized beliefs influencing decisions, potentially leading to prejudice.
- Group reciprocity is a key factor in the evolution of social behaviors.
- Cognitive load and external shocks can impact intergroup relations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary dynamics of stereotypes based on group reciprocity.
- To analyze how group size, cognitive costs, and economic shocks influence stereotype warmth and bias.
- To understand the drivers of out-group animosity.
Main Methods:
- Agent-based modeling to simulate stereotype evolution.
- Analysis of group reciprocity dynamics under varying conditions.
- Examination of the impact of cognitive costs and extrinsic shocks on cooperation and bias.
Main Results:
- Larger stereotype groups reduce the evolution of group reciprocity, leading to more negative stereotypes.
- Individuals often exhibit pessimism regarding the cooperativeness of stereotyped groups.
- Increased cognitive costs drive the evolution of coarser stereotypes.
- Sudden reductions in cooperation benefits (shocks) sharply increase negative stereotype warmth and bias.
Conclusions:
- Stereotype evolution is significantly influenced by group size and reciprocity dynamics.
- Cognitive efficiency and external factors like economic crises play crucial roles in shaping intergroup attitudes.
- Findings provide insights into the origins and exacerbation of prejudice and out-group animosity.
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