Social Relationship Accounting Framework
Tracking social investments
The Social Relationship Accounting Framework suggests that our brains track and balance social investments, such as grooming or emotional support, in our relationships. This framework is based on the idea that we have a mental account of who owes what to whom in our social interactions. The framework is supported by research on monkey behavior, which shows that they engage in equitable relationships and track their social investments.
- Our brains track and balance social investments in our relationships.
- Social relationships are based on a mental account of who owes what to whom.
- The value of social investments can vary depending on the individual and the relationship.
- Identify Social InvestmentsRecognize the social investments you make in your relationships, such as emotional support or physical touch.Pro tipPay attention to the specific actions and behaviors that are valued in each relationship.WarningBe aware of power differentials and how they can affect the value of social investments.
- Track Social InvestmentsKeep a mental or physical record of the social investments you make and receive in each relationship.Pro tipUse a journal or app to track your social interactions and investments.WarningBe mindful of the potential for bias or inaccuracy in your tracking.
- Balance Social InvestmentsMake an effort to balance your social investments in each relationship, taking into account the value and importance of each investment.Pro tipCommunicate openly with your partners and friends about your needs and expectations.WarningBe aware of the potential for conflict or misunderstandings if social investments are not balanced.
Dr. Platt's research on monkey behavior showed that they engage in equitable relationships and track their social investments through grooming.
The framework was developed based on research by Dr. Michael Platt, who studied the behavior of monkeys and found that they engage in equitable relationships and track their social investments. The research used computer vision to track every single grooming interaction between the monkeys over several months.