Market mindset can increase allocations in the trust game through proportional thinking.

What is it about?

Past research has linked the market mindset, characterized by a focus on proportional exchange, to reduced social functioning. Our studies bring forth a novel finding: in situations guided by clear rules of personally beneficial interaction, the market mindset can unexpectedly increase interpersonal trust. We identified the tendency to use proportional thinking as the mechanism driving this effect.

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Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

Why is it important?

At first glance, market logic may seem unsuitable for creating and maintaining positive social interactions. However, our project reveals a rare socially beneficial outcome of the market mindset, demonstrating that, under specific conditions, it can enhance interpersonal trust rather than hinder it. These findings can contribute to understanding of how to foster trust in economic interactions.