Collective Action and Second Order Free-Riding


Version:1 / 1    Updated Date:11/14/2014    Original Contributor:p.danielle.lewis    Latest Contributor:p.danielle.lewis
History:
Clarity: Logic: Support: Based on 1 rating(s) 

Key Words
Collective Action, Dilemma


Terms & Definitions:
  • free-riding - benefiting from a public good without contributing to it
  • norm - social rule which requires behavior costly to an individual but beneficial to the group
  • public_good - members of a group contribute to this resource pool shared by all
  • sanctioning - punishment of free-riders
  • second_order_free-riding - abstaining from punishing the free-riders

Scope Conditions:
  1. There is a group in which the collection of a public good is possible.
Propositions:
  1. If all contribute to the public good, then everyone will benefit maximally.
  2. If all free-ride, then there is no public good.
  3. If a norm against free-riding exists, then sanctioning will reduce free-riding.
  4. If sanctioning is to occur, then some members must choose to sanction.
  5. If members must choose to sanction, then there will be second order free-riding.
  6. If second order free-riding occurs, then first order free-riding will continue.
  7. If a status system which rewards sanctioning exists, then members will sanction free-riders.
  8. If sanctioning occurs, then free-riding will cease.
  9. If free-riding ceases, then all are contributing to the public good.