When is a Social Dilemma not a Dilemma

Social dilemmas arise when people follow their own best interests, yet the consequence of their separate choices is sub-optimal for all of them. Monetary payoffs, however, do not necessarily define best interests. “Best” is constructed and can depend strongly on social context. Two studies successfully manipulated and measured group affiliation. Increased saliency of the group and of social goals rendered cooperative action more likely. These results have practical implications for avoiding real-world social dilemmas. Some of the factors underlying cooperation changed, however, when monetary payoffs and cooperative success were delayed 6 months. Affiliation is partly oriented toward the here-and-now.