asked 47.0k views
0 votes
Social behavior in which the "actor" benefits at the expense of the "recipient" is termed ________?

asked
User Je Rog
by
8.2k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Social behaviour where the "actor" benefits at the expense of the "recipient" is termed selfish behaviour, exemplified by the free rider problem. Reciprocal altruism is a cooperation where both parties benefit over time, such as monkeys mutually grooming.

Step-by-step explanation:

The social behaviour in which the "actor" benefits at the expense of the "recipient" is termed selfish behaviour. When individuals behave in a manner that improves their own fitness while potentially harming the fitness of others, it fits this concept. This contrasts with altruistic behaviour, where the actor may suffer a cost to benefit another individual. An example of selfish behaviour is the free rider problem, where someone benefits from a resource or service without contributing to its provision. This can lead to negative outcomes if all individuals act selfishly, as in a group project where everyone decides not to contribute, resulting in a collective failure.

Conversely, reciprocal altruism is a type of behaviour where the exchange of beneficial acts occurs with the expectation of a return in the future. In this cooperation, both parties eventually benefit. Examples include monkeys grooming each other or animals warning others of predators.

answered
User PaulVrugt
by
7.7k points
Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.