Theories of Collective Action

Theories of collective action explain how and why individuals work together to achieve shared goals. They explore factors influencing cooperation, such as personal benefits, group identity, trust, and perceived fairness. Some theories suggest people may hesitate to cooperate due to free-rider problems, where individuals benefit without contributing. Others highlight the importance of social norms, leadership, and communication in motivating participation. Overall, these theories help us understand the dynamics behind teamwork, community efforts, and social movements, emphasizing that successful collective action depends on balancing individual interests with group objectives.