The Evolution of Reputation-Based Cooperation

Rafael Wittek

ISBN 10: 100921750X / ISBN 13: 9781009217507

Published by Cambridge University Press Dez 2023, 2023

About this Item

Neuware - Gossiping and its reputation effects are viewed as the most powerful mechanism to sustain cooperation without the intervention of formal authorities. Being virtually costless, gossiping is highly effective in monitoring and sanctioning norm violators. Rational individuals cooperate in order to avoid negative reputations. But this narrative is incomplete and often leads to wrong predictions. Goal Framing Theory, a cognitive-behavioral approach anchored in evolutionary research, provides a better explanatory framework. Three overarching goal frames (hedonic, gain, and normative) constantly compete for being in our cognitive foreground. This Element argues that for gossip to have reputation effects, a salient normative goal frame is required. But since the hedonic mindset usually trumps gain and normative concerns, most gossip will be driven by hedonic motives and therefore not have strong reputation effects. Propositions on cultural, structural, dispositional, situational, and technological gossip antecedents and consequences are developed and illustrated with evidence from the empirical record.

Seller Inventory # 9781009217507

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Evolution of Reputation-Based Cooperation
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press Dez 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 100921750X
• ISBN 13: 9781009217507
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 229W x 152H x 5D millimeters 229 millimeters width by 152 millimeters height by 5 millimeters depth
• Weight: 141 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Gossiping and its reputation effects are viewed as the most powerful mechanism to sustain cooperation without the intervention of formal authorities. Being virtually costless, gossiping is highly effective in monitoring and sanctioning norm violators. Rational individuals cooperate in order to avoid negative reputations. But this narrative is incomplete and often leads to wrong predictions. Goal Framing Theory, a cognitive-behavioral approach anchored in evolutionary research, provides a better explanatory framework. Three overarching goal frames (hedonic, gain, and normative) constantly compete for being in our cognitive foreground. This Element argues that for gossip to have reputation effects, a salient normative goal frame is required. But since the hedonic mindset usually trumps gain and normative concerns, most gossip will be driven by hedonic motives and therefore not have strong reputation effects. Propositions on cultural, structural, dispositional, situational, and technological gossip antecedents and consequences are developed and illustrated with evidence from the empirical record.