People Are Cooperating More Than They Have in Decades
Key Takeaways
- 1. Cooperation among American strangers has been increasing between 1956 and 2017, based on research.
- 2. More cooperation was associated with income inequality, societal wealth, how many individuals lived alone, etc.
- 3. Such increases in cooperation among strangers bode well for addressing global challenges.
Cooperation is often encouraged in relationships and is a well-known sign of a strong community. Now, a new study published in Psychological Bulletin has found that cooperation levels among strangers has been increasing in the US since the 1950s.1 Researchers reviewed 511 American studies that took place between 1956 and 2017, including those that assessed for cooperation among strangers.1 There are so many 21st-century challenges—from climate change to global inequality—that require a collective effort, and this research could provide some hope for the future.
Cooperation and Competition Often Co-Exist
Behavioral health medical director at Community Health of South Florida Inc., psychiatrist Howard Pratt, DO, says, “When people bind together to address a common purpose, that cooperation creates relationships and the rewards of achieving this common purpose together may prove to be a process that motivates people to cooperate again in the future." Based on the study, Dr. Pratt notes that places with higher individualization in more urbanized areas had more trust in donating to charities and volunteering. "In other words, places where you have more individuals living alone showed a high sense of community," he says. Dr. Pratt explains, "Society has reaped the positive outcomes of inclusion and diversity and continues to move in that direction. At the same time that we celebrate our individuality we also recognize that the individual needs to be a part of a group of individuals for things to advance."
Read the full available article at VeryWellMind
Reflection: Have you noticed that people are more inclined to cooperate with eachother? Do you think the pandemic has played a role in this increase?
@professionalVision2624
1. Have you noticed that people are more inclined to cooperate with each other?
Yes, I have noticed we have more volunteers who are willing to compromise on tasks to reach a common goal. Donating time seems to have a different goal set than working in an occupation where an individual is compensated for their time. We are willing to give more leeway volunteering than in any job someone does for a living. I've also noticed that the people who are here donating their time have been users of the free service that has been offered to the public. This is just my observation, of course.
2. Do you think the pandemic has played a role in this increase?
Definitely. The pandemic is a common denominator that has united people in a renewed spirit of volunteerism. We are fighting a common enemy; without cooperation and compromise nothing would get done. Many people view the pandemic as an enemy; something to be defeated. Without agreement and a consensus on this matter; it will continue to flourish. This has caused many people to come to the conclusion that without a group understanding and an implementation of agreed goals , nothing will get done.
@xandia
Wow! That's an amazing response! I agree with you! Thank you so much for your comment!
@professionalVision2624 I have noticed many people with children sharing custody now more than ever. As long as the main focus is on the child and their happiness, co-parenting can work out.
@comfortableNight4463
I agree! It's important to be able to cooropate especially with important responsibilities like children. Thank you for your comment!
@professionalVision2624 Exactly. That's one case in which cooperation is vital.
@comfortableNight4463
Yes! Thank you for sharing <3
@professionalVision2624 I have a feeling that working online can help people feel more comfortable. Therefore, this can contribute to better cooperation among people in the same organization. Thanks for the great article!
@calmDew1576
I agree! Working remotly and online has really been a huge comfort for a great number of people who don't have to take the train/bus/care every day to work, which in itself is a stressful thing. Working from home and online does give us a sense of relaxation that can be hard to find in an office setting. Thus is makes us more corporative to find solutions and think "outside the box" as the pandemic forced us to do.
