Dunbar’s research has implications for understanding the role of psychology in:
a) Community resilience
b) Conflict resolution
c) Social justice
d) Well-being
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a) Community resilience.
Dunbar’s research, particularly related to social networks, sheds light on how human communities function and manage relationships. Robin Dunbar, a British anthropologist, is best known for his work on the “Dunbar’s number,” which suggests that humans can only maintain stable social relationships with approximately 150 people. This number reflects the cognitive limitations of humans to maintain social bonds. His research has profound implications for community resilience because it emphasizes the importance of strong, tight-knit social connections within a group, especially during times of crisis.
Community resilience refers to the ability of a community to recover from challenges, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or social unrest. Dunbar’s work highlights how networks of relationships act as the foundation for this resilience. In times of stress, individuals within a community with strong social bonds are more likely to support one another, share resources, and help each other rebuild. This interconnectedness fosters a sense of trust, solidarity, and mutual aid, which are essential for overcoming adversity.
Moreover, Dunbar’s research on the human capacity to form and maintain relationships suggests that smaller, more intimate communities are better equipped to handle stress. Communities that can maintain social cohesion through relationships within the 150-person limit are likely to be more resilient to external shocks. Dunbar’s work provides a psychological framework for understanding how social structures contribute to the overall resilience of communities. Understanding the dynamics of social networks can, therefore, inform interventions and policies aimed at strengthening community resilience in the face of challenges.