The power of social approval on cooperation

People value their moral reputation to such an extent that they will work to behave well and cooperate with each other rather than risk being judged negatively for their actions, according to new Stanford research. Sociology Professor Robb Willer says a new study shows that moral judgments are a powerful means for encouraging cooperation. (Image credit: L.A. Cicero) In a study recently published in Scientific Reports, Stanford sociologist Robb Willer and researchers at the University of South Carolina found that people who were given the opportunity to judge each other's morality were more likely to cooperate and trust each other in a group than those who could not make such evaluations. 'Generally, people think of moral judgments negatively,' Willer said. 'But they are a critical means for encouraging good behavior in society.' Researchers also found that the groups who were allowed to make positive or negative judgments of each other were more trusting and generous toward each other. In addition, the levels of cooperation in such groups were found to be comparable with groups where monetary punishments were used to promote collaboration within the group, according to the study, titled 'The Enforcement of Moral Boundaries Promotes Cooperation and Prosocial Behavior in Groups.' - The power of social approval. The idea that moral judgments are fundamental to social order has been around since the late 19th century.