Cooperation, Trust, and Group Processes
Cooperation, Trust, and Group Processes
Abstract Submissions Closed
RC42 Social Psychology (host committee)
Language: English
Research on cooperation in social dilemmas draws largely on rational choice theory. However, the problem of cooperation in social dilemmas may be framed in terms of a social group aiming at accomplishing a valued task (i.e. production of public good, or maintenance of resource pool), with criteria for success and failure clearly defined. Groups of this kind are a focus of sociological social psychology. Rational choice theory and group processes theories are very different in terms of scope and explanatory mechanism, yet there is a potential for bridging the two perspectives. For instance, voluntary contributions to public good can become the basis of status distinctions.
Existing status differences can be the basis of formation of expectations concerning one’s behavior in social dilemmas. According to expectation states theory, which explains the emergence of status inequality in task groups and unequal distribution of social influence, there are group members that accept influence from others and group members that reject influence of others. Patterns of rejection and acceptance of influence can also be viewed in terms of cooperative behavior that contributes to successful solving of the group’s task.
We invite papers that deal with problems of cooperation and trust at the intersection of rational choice and group processes perspectives. Both empirical studies investigating those issues as well theoretical models bridging the two perspectives are welcome.