Come Together? Cooperativeness, Heterogeneity, and the Structure of Collective Action

Abstract: In this study, we examine the antecedents of successful collective action. Using a simulation-based approach, we examine contributions to a public-goods game while varying three parameters among actors: extent of cooperativeness (or the strength of social norms), heterogeneity of claims, and heterogeneity of capabilities. Our results show that cooperativeness is neither necessary nor sufficient for collective action; where actors are heterogenous, collective action may fail despite strong norms of cooperativeness. Moreover, in a context with high actor heterogeneity, a meritocratic system that links claims to capabilities and encourages everyone to act in their own self-interest may outperform a more cooperative system. Our study thus offers a rigorous theoretical analysis of the structural conditions that enable collective action by stakeholders and produce successful social movements.