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Norm Dynamics: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Social Norm Emergence, Persistence, and Change
Michele J Gelfand1, Sergey Gavrilets2, Nathan Nunn3,4
1Graduate School of Business and Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
Annual Review of Psychology
|October 31, 2023
Summary
This review explores social norm dynamics, integrating research across disciplines using a cultural-evolutionary approach. Understanding how norms emerge, spread, and change is crucial for societal cohesion and adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Social norms are fundamental to societal structure but studied in silos.
- Existing research lacks an integrated, interdisciplinary perspective on norm dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an interdisciplinary review of norm dynamics.
- To integrate research across social sciences through a cultural-evolutionary lens.
- To identify future research directions and policy implications.
Main Methods:
- Interdisciplinary literature review.
- Cultural-evolutionary theoretical framework.
- Synthesis of research on norm psychology, emergence, transmission, persistence, and change.
Main Results:
- Norms have complex psychological underpinnings (learning, acquisition).
- Norms spread via intergenerational transmission, social networks, and ecological factors.
- Multilevel factors influence norm persistence, change, and erosion, with potential for maladaptation.
Conclusions:
- An integrated approach to norm dynamics is essential.
- Understanding norm evolution is key to addressing societal challenges.
- Future research should focus on adaptive norm change and policy applications.
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