Behavioral evidence for global consciousness transcending national parochialism

Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 4;13(1):21413. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-47333-z.

Abstract

While national parochialism is commonplace, individual differences explain more variance in it than cross-national differences. Global consciousness (GC), a multi-dimensional concept that includes identification with all humanity, cosmopolitan orientation, and global orientation, transcends national parochialism. Across six societies (N = 11,163), most notably the USA and China, individuals high in GC were more generous allocating funds to the other in a dictator game, cooperated more in a one-shot prisoner's dilemma, and differentiated less between the ingroup and outgroup on these actions. They gave more to the world and kept less for the self in a multi-level public goods dilemma. GC profiles showed 80% test-retest stability over 8 months. Implications of GC for cultural evolution in the face of trans-border problems are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Consciousness*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Cultural Evolution*
  • Game Theory
  • Humans
  • Prisoner Dilemma