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How social norms evolve over time and what affects their evolution are central questions in the literature about norms. A study suggests that over time, hygiene and violence norms have become stricter, because those who prefer strict norms sanction those who prefer loose norms more than sanctioning in the other direction.
The social function of witchcraft accusations remains opaque. An empirical study of Chinese villagers shows that the label ‘zhu’influences who interacts across a social network, but appears not to tag defectors in service of promoting cooperation. An open question thus remains: from witchcraft to gossip, which accusations stick?
