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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-guided 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," NBER Working Papers 29804, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:29804
    Note: DAE DEV EFG ITI POL
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    Cited by:

    1. 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).
    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. Eugen Dimant & Michele Gelfand & Anna Hochleitner & Silvia Sonderegger, 2023. "Strategic Behavior with Tight, Loose and Polarized Norms," CESifo Working Paper Series 10233, CESifo.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • B5 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches
    • B52 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Historical; Institutional; Evolutionary; Modern Monetary Theory;
    • N00 - Economic History - - General - - - General
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General

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