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Why Do We Care If Our Social Investment Fails?
Hendrik Falkenberg is one of my favorite thought partners. We became friends virtually (thanks to Medium) and I’ve enjoyed learning from his perspective on everything from behavioral psychology to the future of work.
We recently had a discussion about societal norms and examined the thought-experiment of quantifying social contributions with a credit-like system.
The Concept:
What do I need to do to contribute positively to the life of people around me without paying too high of a price? Additionally, what is okay for me to ask from other people to contribute to my life?
The Scenario:
If I give $20 for a collective fund for a baby shower for a colleague at work I know exactly what I contributed and what that gains me as far as social standing- I get the respect of my peers, I get to enjoy the party on the day of the baby shower, I get to not feel guilty for not contributing, I get a thank you card from the parents of the baby. It’s pretty clear what’s being exchanged.
I gave $20 and in exchange, I gained roughly 20 points in social credit.
“Contributing $20 to the baby shower fund is a financial investment with a social payoff.” -Hendrik…
