MINDSETWeeks to result

Positive Assortment

Associating with others based on shared characteristics

CooperationAssortmentSocial Reputation
Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Understanding the evolution of cooperation and social behavior

Not ideal for

Situations where immediate reciprocity is expected

Overview

Why this framework exists

Positive assortment refers to the tendency for individuals to associate with others who share similar characteristics, such as altruism or cooperation. This framework explains how individuals can increase their social reputation and cooperation by associating with others who share their values and behaviors.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Individuals tend to associate with others who share similar characteristics.
  2. Positive assortment can lead to increased cooperation and social reputation.
  3. The characteristics that are used for assortment can vary depending on the context and culture.

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify the characteristics for assortment
    Determine the characteristics that will be used for assortment, such as altruism or cooperation.
    Pro tipChoose characteristics that are relevant to the context and culture.
    WarningBe aware of the potential for bias and discrimination in the assortment process.
  2. Evaluate the potential benefits
    Assess the potential benefits of positive assortment, such as increased cooperation and social reputation.
    Pro tipConsider the potential long-term benefits of assortment, rather than just the immediate costs.
    WarningBe aware of the potential risks and costs associated with assortment, and weigh them against the potential benefits.
  3. Implement the assortment strategy
    Implement the assortment strategy, by associating with others who share the identified characteristics.
    Pro tipConsider the potential for reciprocity and mutual benefit, rather than just one-way cooperation.
    WarningBe aware of the potential for exploitation or manipulation, and take steps to mitigate these risks.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
Altruistic assortment

A person associates with others who share their altruistic values, which leads to increased cooperation and social reputation.

OutcomeThe person's social reputation increases, and they are more likely to receive cooperation and support from others in the future.
Cooperative assortment

A person associates with others who share their cooperative values, which leads to increased cooperation and social reputation.

OutcomeThe person's social reputation increases, and they are more likely to receive cooperation and support from others in the future.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Insufficient assortment
Failing to associate with others who share similar characteristics can lead to a lack of cooperation and social reputation.
Overly restrictive assortment
Being too restrictive in the assortment process can lead to a lack of diversity and potential harm to the individual or group.
Inconsistent assortment
Inconsistent assortment can lead to a lack of trust and cooperation, and can undermine the effectiveness of the assortment strategy.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of positive assortment was first proposed by Tooby and Cosmides in 1996, as a way to explain the evolution of cooperation and social behavior.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Evolutionary Psychology The New Science of the Mind
David M Buss · 2020
Open source →

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