Doctoral Dissertation Research: Social Identity, Cooperation, and Social Exchanges

University Of Arizona, Tucson AZ

Investigators

Abstract

PI: Linda D. Molm Co-PI: Monica Whitham Institution: University of Arizona Research suggests that generalized exchange is positively associated with a variety of social gains. However, cooperative participation in generalized exchange involves risk. This study examines the potential of two forms of social identity - categorically-based social identity and symbolic social network ties - to motivate cooperation in spite of this risk. A series of experiments will be conducted to investigate whether social identity enhances cooperation in generalized exchange, whether symbolic social network ties produce greater cooperation than categorical social identity, and how risk effects these relationships. Broader Impacts: Understanding how properties of a collectivity may enhance cooperation in generalized exchange can help social entities such as communities or organizations tap into the various social benefits of generalized exchange.