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On the Dynamics of Human Behavior: The Past, Present, and Future of Culture, Conflict, and Cooperation

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  • Nathan Nunn

Abstract

I provide a theoretically informed discussion of the dynamics of human behavior, focusing on the importance of culture (socially learned information) and tradition (transmission of culture across generations). Decision-making that relies on tradition can be an effective strategy and arises in equilibrium. While dynamically optimal, it generates static "mismatch." When the world changes, since traits evolve slowly, they may not be beneficial in their new environment. I discuss how mismatch helps explain the world around us, presents special challenges and opportunities for policy, and provides important lessons for our future as a human species.

Suggested Citation

  • Nathan Nunn, 2022. "On the Dynamics of Human Behavior: The Past, Present, and Future of Culture, Conflict, and Cooperation," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 112, pages 15-37, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:112:y:2022:p:15-37
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20221126
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    Cited by:

    1. Eugen Dimant & Michele Gelfand & Anna Hochleitner & Silvia Sonderegger, 2023. "Strategic Behavior with Tight, Loose and Polarized Norms," CESifo Working Paper Series 10233, CESifo.
    2. Giulia Buccione & Martín Rossi, 2023. "Incorporating Cultural Context into Safe-Water Interventions: Experimental Evidence from Egypt," Working Papers 167, Universidad de San Andres, Departamento de Economia, revised Nov 2023.
    3. Huang, Qinghua & Yuan, Wei & Zheng, Chengsi & Chen, Kaiming & Chen, Xiding & Wang, Yi & Li, Changke, 2024. "Can Confucianism improve ESG performance?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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