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Can Game(s) Theory Explain Culture?

Author

Listed:
  • Jenna Bednar

    (Political Science, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, USA; jbednar@umich.edu)

  • Scott Page

    (Political Science, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248, USA; spage@umich.edu)

Abstract

The hallmarks of cultural behavior include consistency within and across individuals, variance between populations, behavioral stickiness, and possibly suboptimal performance. In this article, we build a formal framework within which these behavioral attributes emerge from the interactions of purposive agents. We then derive mathematical results showing these behaviors are optimal given our assumptions. Our framework rests on two primary assumptions: (1) agents play ensembles of games, not just single games as is traditionally the case in evolutionary game theory models; and (2) agents have finite cognitive capacity. Our analysis combines agent-based techniques and mathematics, enabling us to explore dynamics and to prove when the behaviors produced by the agents are equilibria. Our results provide game theoretic foundations for cultural diversity and agent-based support for how cultural behavior might emerge.

Suggested Citation

  • Jenna Bednar & Scott Page, 2007. "Can Game(s) Theory Explain Culture?," Rationality and Society, , vol. 19(1), pages 65-97, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:19:y:2007:i:1:p:65-97
    DOI: 10.1177/1043463107075108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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