The Evolution of the Social Self: Multidimensionality of Social Identity Solves the Coordination Problems of a Society
Year: 2015
Type: preprint
Abstract: This chapter discusses the function of social identity in facilitating cooperative group formation, and how the nature of that function changes with the structure of social organization. I propose that social identity facilitates assortment for successful coordination in large-scale societies, and that the multidimensional, context-dependent nature of social identity is crucial for successful coordination when individuals have to cooperate in different contexts. Furthermore, the structure of social identity is tied to the structure of society, so that as societies grow larger and more interconnected, the landscape of social identities grows more heterogeneous. This discussion bears directly on the need to articulate the dynamics of emergent, ephemeral groups as a major factor in human cultural evolution.
Source: SSRN Electronic Journal
Author: Paul E. Smaldino
Institution: University of California, Davis
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2292494743