Empathy and Collective Action

Zak, Paul J.; Barraza, Jorge A.

doi:10.2139/ssrn.1375059

Empathy and Collective Action

Context and the Evolution of Mechanisms for Solving Collective Action Problems Paper

22 Pages Posted: 9 Apr 2009

See all articles by Paul J. Zak

Paul J. Zak

Claremont Graduate University - Center for Neuroeconomics Studies

Jorge A. Barraza

Claremont Colleges - Center for Neuroeconomics Studies

Date Written: April 8, 2009

Abstract

This essay introduces a neurologically-informed formal model of collective action that reveals the role for empathy and distress in motivating costly helping behaviors. This model is based on a brain circuit that our lab has recently characterized called HOME (Human Oxytocin Mediated Empathy) System. We review how our studies have identified HOME and use this to draw implications for how collective action can be initiated, sustained, and revived.

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Zak, Paul J. and Barraza, Jorge A., Empathy and Collective Action (April 8, 2009). Context and the Evolution of Mechanisms for Solving Collective Action Problems Paper. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1375059 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1375059