Social Attention-Holding Theory
Understanding the role of social attention in shaping human behavior
Social Attention-Holding Theory proposes that humans have co-opted resource-holding potential (RHP) for another mode: social attention-holding potential (SAHP). SAHP refers to the quality and quantity of attention others pay to a particular person.
- Humans have co-opted resource-holding potential (RHP) for another mode: social attention-holding potential (SAHP).
- SAHP refers to the quality and quantity of attention others pay to a particular person.
- People compete to bestow benefits on others to rise in SAHP.
- Understand the concept of social attention-holding potential (SAHP)Recognize that SAHP refers to the quality and quantity of attention others pay to a particular person, and that it plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior.Pro tipPay attention to how people interact with each other, and how they establish and maintain social attention.WarningBe aware that social attention can be subtle and may not always be immediately apparent.
- Identify the role of SAHP in shaping human behaviorUnderstand that SAHP plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior, including the way that people interact with each other and establish dominance hierarchies.Pro tipRecognize that people will often use SAHP to justify their actions and maintain their position in the dominance hierarchy.WarningBe aware that SAHP can be used to manipulate and exploit others, and that it can be used to maintain unjust dominance hierarchies.
- Apply the principles of Social Attention-Holding Theory to real-life situationsUse the principles of Social Attention-Holding Theory to understand and navigate social situations, including work, social groups, and romantic relationships.Pro tipPay attention to how people interact with each other, and how they establish and maintain social attention.WarningBe aware that social attention can be subtle and may not always be immediately apparent.
In a workplace setting, SAHP can be observed in the way that employees interact with each other and with their supervisors. For example, an employee who is higher in the dominance hierarchy may use SAHP to justify their actions and maintain their position.
Paul Gilbert proposed the Social Attention-Holding Theory as a way to understand the role of social attention in shaping human behavior. He based his theory on the concept of resource-holding potential (RHP) stemming from work conducted on non-human animals.