Griskevicius et al, 2012 - Pre-dispositions - Propensity for self-interest

7 important questions on Griskevicius et al, 2012 - Pre-dispositions - Propensity for self-interest

What is the first pre-disposition about, which is called: Propensity (tendency) for self-interest? What are the three principles?

  • Kin selection:
    • Survival and replication of genes (humans have a propensity to prioritise the replication of their own genes).
  • Reciprocal altruism:
    • Cooperation with non-kin only if they (expect to) reciprocate or to gain reputation.
  • Indirect reciprocity:
    • Helping strangers to gain a reputation for being cooperative which is associated with increased status in a social hierarchy and more opportunties for alliances.

What is the first pre-disposition about, which is called: Propensity (tendency) for self-interest? What are the three principles?

  • Kin selection:
    • Survival and replication of genes (humans have a propensity to prioritise the replication of their own genes).
  • Reciprocal altruism:
    • Cooperation with non-kin only if they (expect to) reciprocate or to gain reputation.
  • Indirect reciprocity:
    • Helping strangers to gain a reputation for being cooperative which is associated with increased status in a social hierarchy and more opportunties for alliances.

What is the tendency of this pre-disposition?

People prioritize self-interst over group behavior.
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What is the tendency of this pre-disposition?

People prioritize self-interst over group behavior.

What are solutions to link this to more sustainable behaviour?

  1. Highlight individual benefits to a person's genetic self-interest
  2. Create small dense social networks resembling ancestral groups
  3. Threaten reputations and foster group identities
  4. Donate first to create obligation, then ask to reciprocate (do something in return)

What are solutions to link this to more sustainable behaviour?

  1. Highlight individual benefits to a person's genetic self-interest
  2. Create small dense social networks resembling ancestral groups
  3. Threaten reputations and foster group identities
  4. Donate first to create obligation, then ask to reciprocate (do something in return)

What is an example of a strategy to get people to behave more sustainably?

Emphasise own kin, children or grandchildren but not future generations. E.g. Urge people to conserve water because there otherwise might not be enough for their children and grandchildren.

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