Solving the Puzzle of Collective Action Through Inter-individual Differences
DOI
10.1098/rstb.2015.0002
Abstract
Models of collective action infrequently account for differences across individuals beyond a limited set of strategies, ignoring variation in endowment (e.g. physical condition, wealth, knowledge, personality, support), individual costs of effort, or expected gains from cooperation. However, behavioural research indicates these inter-individual differences can have significant effects on the dynamics of collective action. The papers contributed to this theme issue evaluate how individual differences affect the propensity to cooperate, and how they can catalyse others’ likelihood of cooperation (e.g. via leadership). Many of the papers emphasize the relationship between individual decisions and socio-ecological context, particularly the effect of group size. All together, the papers in this theme issue provide a more complete picture of collective action, by embracing the reality of inter-individual variation and its multiple roles in the success or failure of collective action.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-26-2015
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2016 Royal Society Publications. This article first appeared in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B 370:1683 (2015), 20150002.
Recommended Citation
von Rueden, Chris, Sergey Gavrilets, and Luke Glowacki. "Solving the Puzzle of Collective Action through Inter-individual Differences." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 370, no. 1683 (October 26, 2015): 20150002. doi:10.1098/rstb.2015.0002.
Comments
Refer to Dr. Christopher von Rueden's website for further information.