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An analysis of theories on the emergence of social norms in economics, sociology and psychology

Vol. 12, Iss. 11, NOVEMBER 2016

PDF  Article PDF Version

Received: 22 April 2016

Received in revised form: 31 May 2016

Accepted: 13 September 2016

Available online: 29 November 2016

Subject Heading: SCHOLAR DISPUTE

JEL Classification: C70, E02, E03

Pages: 181-196

Istratov V.A. Central Economics and Mathematics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
istratov@cemi.rssi.ru

Importance The article presents a comparative analysis of theories on the emergence of social norms that are the subject matter of economics, sociology and psychology. Currently there is no theory on the emergence of such norms, which would be generally accepted or at least prevailing.
Objectives The research identifies common features and patterns in the emergence of such norms, generally formulates an algorithmic scheme of setting up the norms, on the basis of the theories studied.
Methods The research overviews the existing theories, which, directly or indirectly, concern the emergence of social norms. I derive the existing principles out of the theories or formulate them, unless they are explicitly indicated, and subsequently compare them.
Results Most of the theories construe a principle or norm as a set of behavior constraints conveyed by certain coercive measures. As for the emergence of social norms, they basically arise when there is a need to increase individual or public effectiveness of activities subject to this norm or principle.
Conclusions and Relevance As the analysis shows, the theories on the emergence of social norms and principles concerning various social sciences have some common traits, thus merging them into the algorithm for setting any social norm and principle.

Keywords: institutions, game theory, equilibrium, personal principles, convention, behavior

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