Social Norms and Cooperation
6 Pages Posted: 23 Feb 2016
Date Written: February 5, 2016
Abstract
A theoretical framework is introduced to model social norms using the tools of psychological game theory. In the Prisoner's Dilemma Game, a preference for norm compliance can lead to cooperation arising with a positive probability, and if this preference is sufficiently strong, occurring as a pure strategy equilibrium. Thus, cooperation can arise as a social norm in a one-shot Prisoner's Dilemma Game without repeated play, communication, or sanctions.
Keywords: cooperation, norm compliance, Prisoner's Dilemma, psychological game theory, social norm
JEL Classification: D63, Z10, D00
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
McCannon, Bryan C., Social Norms and Cooperation (February 5, 2016). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2735759 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2735759
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