On the Dynamics of Human Behavior: The Past, Present, and Future of Culture, Conflict, and Cooperation

Nathan Nunn

No 29804, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

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.

JEL-codes: B5 B52 N00 O10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-evo, nep-his and nep-hme
Note: DAE DEV EFG ITI POL
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

Published as Nathan Nunn, 2022. "On the Dynamics of Human Behavior: The Past, Present, and Future of Culture, Conflict, and Cooperation," AEA Papers and Proceedings, vol 112, pages 15-37.

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Journal Article: On the Dynamics of Human Behavior: The Past, Present, and Future of Culture, Conflict, and Cooperation (2022)
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