Understanding the Psychology of Social Order

Abstract

Looking across different societies it is clear that there have been many viable systems for managing social order. Each system has particular strengths and weaknesses and its utility depends upon its compatibility to the features of the society within which it exists. This suggestion is supported by empirical research showing that rewards and punishments, social norms, moral values, and legitimacy-based legal orders are all successful in some societies, under some conditions. Social science theories and research findings provide a guide for predicting those situations within with a particular form of authority is most likely to lead to a viable and sustainable social order.