AEA Papers and Proceedings
ISSN 2574-0768 (Print) | ISSN 2574-0776 (Online)
On the Dynamics of Human Behavior: The Past, Present, and Future of Culture, Conflict, and Cooperation
AEA Papers and Proceedings
vol. 112,
May 2022
(pp. 15–37)
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.Citation
Nunn, Nathan. 2022. "On the Dynamics of Human Behavior: The Past, Present, and Future of Culture, Conflict, and Cooperation." AEA Papers and Proceedings, 112: 15–37. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20221126Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D11 Consumer Economics: Theory
- D74 Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
- D90 Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: General
- Z13 Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification