Section 14.7: Altruism, Conflict, and Peacemaking - Terms

Altruism

Unselfish concern for the well-being of others, often leading to helping behaviors without expectation of personal gain.

Bystander effect

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a person in need when others are present, due to diffusion of responsibility.

Social exchange theory

A theory that suggests people weigh the costs and benefits of social relationships, seeking to maximize benefits while minimizing costs.

Reciprocity norm

The social expectation that people will respond to each other in kind, repaying favors or kindnesses.

Social-responsibility norm

The expectation that people will help those in need, especially when they are unable to help themselves.

Conflict

A perceived incompatibility of actions, goals, or ideas between individuals or groups.

Social trap

A situation where individuals or groups, pursuing their own self-interest, ultimately harm the collective well-being, often due to short-term gains outweighing long-term consequences.

Mirror-image perception

The tendency for conflicting parties to see each other in similar negative terms, often reinforcing mutual hostility.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

The phenomenon where an individual's expectations or beliefs about another person lead to behaviors that cause those expectations to come true.

Superordinate goals

Shared goals that require cooperation between conflicting parties, helping to reduce intergroup tension and promote collaboration.