The Social Generalist's Dilemma
We humans are social generalists. Our behavior is open to modification, but potential changes are constrained by the requirements of social cohesion. This exposes us to a dilemma. A concurrent need to be both flexible and stable introduces inescapable conflicts. Moreover, the biological mechanisms t...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Kennesaw State University
2016-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Public and Professional Sociology |
| Online Access: | https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/jpps/vol8/iss1/5/ |
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| _version_ | 1850112204431425536 |
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| author | Melvyn L. Fein |
| author_facet | Melvyn L. Fein |
| author_sort | Melvyn L. Fein |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | We humans are social generalists. Our behavior is open to modification, but potential changes are constrained by the requirements of social cohesion. This exposes us to a dilemma. A concurrent need to be both flexible and stable introduces inescapable conflicts. Moreover, the biological mechanisms that evolved to meet this challenge produce their own contradictions. Thus, while social hierarchies can be functional, they can also be divisive. Whereas they allow us to collaborate on complex projects, they may produce both arrogance and follies that interfere with flexibly resolving disputes. Morality too, although it is designed to control interpersonal conflicts, can exacerbate them. The orthodoxies and idealism that result from our efforts to make necessary adjustments often have the opposite effect. As a consequence, the social generalist’s dilemma is never fully eliminated. It remains as a limitation on how effective social reforms can be. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b7e7a140f76140189db2cdd5483c1b96 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2154-8935 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2016-03-01 |
| publisher | Kennesaw State University |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Public and Professional Sociology |
| spelling | doaj-art-b7e7a140f76140189db2cdd5483c1b962025-08-20T02:37:27ZengKennesaw State UniversityJournal of Public and Professional Sociology2154-89352016-03-0181The Social Generalist's DilemmaMelvyn L. Fein0Kennesaw State UniversityWe humans are social generalists. Our behavior is open to modification, but potential changes are constrained by the requirements of social cohesion. This exposes us to a dilemma. A concurrent need to be both flexible and stable introduces inescapable conflicts. Moreover, the biological mechanisms that evolved to meet this challenge produce their own contradictions. Thus, while social hierarchies can be functional, they can also be divisive. Whereas they allow us to collaborate on complex projects, they may produce both arrogance and follies that interfere with flexibly resolving disputes. Morality too, although it is designed to control interpersonal conflicts, can exacerbate them. The orthodoxies and idealism that result from our efforts to make necessary adjustments often have the opposite effect. As a consequence, the social generalist’s dilemma is never fully eliminated. It remains as a limitation on how effective social reforms can be.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/jpps/vol8/iss1/5/ |
| spellingShingle | Melvyn L. Fein The Social Generalist's Dilemma Journal of Public and Professional Sociology |
| title | The Social Generalist's Dilemma |
| title_full | The Social Generalist's Dilemma |
| title_fullStr | The Social Generalist's Dilemma |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Social Generalist's Dilemma |
| title_short | The Social Generalist's Dilemma |
| title_sort | social generalist s dilemma |
| url | https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/jpps/vol8/iss1/5/ |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT melvynlfein thesocialgeneralistsdilemma AT melvynlfein socialgeneralistsdilemma |