Social trap and social fence
A social trap refers to a situation where individuals or groups, acting in their self-interest, end up causing negative consequences for themselves and others. It is a dilemma in which individuals pursue personal gains at the expense of collective well-being.
For example, the tragedy of the commons is a classic social trap. It occurs when individuals exploit a shared resource without considering the long-term consequences, leading to its depletion or degradation. Each individual has an incentive to maximize their own benefits, but if everyone acts in this way, the collective resource is ultimately damaged.
On the other hand, a social fence refers to the creation of social barriers or limitations that restrict individuals or groups from certain actions or behaviors. These restrictions are imposed by society or specific social norms and can have various purposes, such as promoting ethical behavior, protecting public safety, or preserving cultural values.
For instance, laws and regulations are often considered social fences as they set boundaries for what is acceptable behavior within a society. Similarly, social norms surrounding topics like gender roles or religious practices can act as social fences, shaping the actions and behaviors of individuals within a community.
In summary, while a social trap can lead to the unintended negative consequences of self-interested actions, a social fence pertains to the deliberate establishment of boundaries or limitations in society.