Project 2.3

This PhD project aims to study how social norms regarding climate change mitigation develop within contexts in which norms are not easily observed by others. We want to better understand under which conditions potential misperceptions can lead to the separation of groups in society. The project analyses how social networks and norms on these topics jointly develop, depending on how people can obtain information about the norms and behaviour of others. A combination of agent-based modelling and experiments will be used to examine how people perceive social norms on climate change topics and how these norms (and related behaviours) change with people’s networks over time.

This project aims to better understand the bidirectional relation between society’s social fabric – mainly in terms of social relations between people (such as friendships or family relations) – and the divergence or convergence of norms on climate-change-related behaviour. Which relations are under pressure because people think differently about how to contribute to social problems such as the climate crisis? Might these threats to the social fabric be more serious because we are not very well informed about the norms and behaviours of others? Therefore, we focus on building theoretical models for situations in which misperceptions of norms are likely. We want to test these models using experimental research.

An example set-up of the project could consist of four research papers, as follows:

1. Developing an agent-based model on norms in dynamic networks with limited information and different decision principles.

The model should involve agents who make choices about contributing to a public good, develop norms on what they think is desired behaviour and decide on links they want to have to other agents with whom they can communicate or jointly contribute to a public good. The model will include connecting and disconnecting dynamics, which will provide insights into conditions of and potential unintended effects on the social fabric if divergent norms lead to groups with opposite norms or individuals who feel estranged from the majority.

1. A laboratory experiment testing  the predictions of the first model, including testing the microlevel assumptions of the model.

The experimental test of the model can be contextualized using a climate change mitigation topic (e.g., opinions on a planned wind farm). We test the likelihood of divergent or convergent norms associated with this topic by changing the information conditions related to  people’s contacts.

1. Extending the agent-based model with additional governmental regimes or policy interventions, developing predictions for concrete cases of climate change adaptation. This model investigates which measures might reduce the likelihood of divergent norms and the unravelling of social relations.

This paper will focus on modelling people’s communication and behaviour in relation to governmental measures.

1. Conducting a field test of the second model with data from either historical data or new data, focusing on a recent event or policy measure for which relevant dynamics are likely and whose setting the model fits reasonably well.

A field test can connect the insights from the previous papers to people’s response to governmental initiatives on climate change (e.g., tax incentives for climate adaptation) but might also link to other projects in SOCION.