Altruism, Conflict, and Peacemaking

Altruism

Unselfish regard for the welfare of others

Bystander effect

The tendency for any given bystander to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present

Social exchange theory

The theory that our social behavior is an exchange process, the aim of which is to maximize benefits and minimize costs

Reciprocity norm

An expectation that people will help, not hurt, those who have helped them

Social-responsibility norm

An expectation that people will help those needing their help.

Conflict

A perceived incompatibility of actions, goals, or ideas

Mirror-image perceptions

Mutual views often held by conflicting parties, as when each side sees itself as ethical and peaceful and views the other side as evil and aggressive

Self-fulfilling prophecy

A belief that leads to its own fulfillment

Superordinate goals

Shared goals that override differences among people and require their cooperation

GRIT

Graduated and Reciprocated Initiatives in Tension-Reduction; a strategy designed to decrease international tensions