A Network Process Theory of Cultural Emergence and Change

• In Event: 142 - Regular Session. Group Processes

Abstract

Regular and persistent patterns of behavior frequently develop within the social groups that form the basic units of our social lives, and these patterns have a profound effect on an individual’s experience of that group, and on her own behaviors. Often these patterned behaviors are attributed to the “culture” of the group, but we are unable to account for what gives rise to these patterns and under what conditions. In this paper, we propose a micro-level theory that addresses central aspects of these persistent questions by drawing on insights from social and cognitive psychology and social networks. We present a network-based mechanism by which patterned behavior arises, persists, and changes within groups. Along the way, we argue that scholars of culture should look to aggregate patterns of behavior to understand how culture shapes behavior rather than focus on individual action. We illustrate the theory using our research on conflict behaviors and academic effort among students in 28 New Jersey middle schools.

Author

• Hana Shepherd, Rutgers University