Editing Human behavior (section)

== Economic behavior ==
{{Further|Behavioral economics}}
Humans engage in predictable behaviors when considering economic decisions, and these behaviors may or may not be [[Rationality|rational]]. Humans make basic decisions through [[cost–benefit analysis]] and the acceptable rate of return at the minimum risk. Human economic decision making is often [[Reference dependence|reference dependent]], in which options are weighed in reference to the status quo rather than absolute gains and losses. Humans are also [[Loss aversion|loss averse]], fearing loss rather than seeking gain.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Santos |first1=Laurie R |last2=Hughes |first2=Kelly D |date=2009-02-01 |title=Economic cognition in humans and animals: the search for core mechanisms |url=https://caplab.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/2009-SantosHughes.pdf |journal=Current Opinion in Neurobiology |series=Cognitive neuroscience |language=en |volume=19 |issue=1 |pages=63–66 |doi=10.1016/j.conb.2009.05.005 |pmid=19541475 |s2cid=21443957 |issn=0959-4388 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20240228105114/https://caplab.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/2009-SantosHughes.pdf | archivedate = 2024-02-28 | url-status = live}}</ref> Advanced economic behavior developed in humans after the [[Neolithic Revolution]] and the development of [[agriculture]]. These developments led to a sustainable supply of resources that allowed [[Specialization of labor|specialization]] in more complex societies.{{Sfn|Neff|1985|pp=24–33}}

=== Work ===
{{Main|Work (human activity)}}
[[File:Boskapsskötsel i ladugården. Kvinna sitter och mjölkar en mager ko medan barfota flicka mockar - Nordiska museet - NMA.0036603.jpg|thumb|Women tending to farm animals in Mangskogs, Sweden (1911)]]
The nature of human work is defined by the complexity of society. The simplest societies are [[tribe]]s that work primarily for sustenance as [[hunter-gatherer]]s. In this sense, work is not a distinct activity but a constant that makes up all parts of life, as all members of the society must work consistently to stay alive.

More advanced societies developed after the Neolithic Revolution, emphasizing work in agricultural and [[Pastoralism|pastoral]] settings. In these societies, production is increased, ending the need for constant work and allowing some individuals to specialize and work in areas outside of food-production. This also created non-laborious work, as increasing occupational complexity required some individuals to specialize in technical knowledge and administration.{{Sfn|Neff|1985|pp=24–33}} Laborious work in these societies has variously been carried out by slaves, serfs, peasants, and guild craftsmen.

The nature of work changed significantly during the [[Industrial Revolution]] in which the [[factory system]] was developed for use by industrializing nations. In addition to further increasing general quality of life, this development changed the dynamic of work. Under the factory system, workers increasingly collaborate with others, employers serve as authority figures during work hours, and forced labor is largely eradicated. Further changes occur in [[Post-industrial society|post-industrial societies]] where technological advance makes industries obsolete, replacing them with [[mass production]] and [[service industries]].{{Sfn|Neff|1985|pp=41–46}}

Humans approach work differently based on both physical and personal attributes, and some work with more effectiveness and commitment than others. Some find work to contribute to personal fulfillment, while others work only out of necessity.{{Sfn|Neff|1985|p=2}} Work can also serve as an identity, with individuals identifying themselves based on their occupation. [[Work motivation]] is complex, both contributing to and subtracting from various human needs. The primary [[motivation]] for work is for material gain, which takes the form of [[money]] in modern societies. It may also serve to create self-esteem and personal worth, provide activity, gain respect, and express creativity.{{Sfn|Neff|1985|pp=142–153}} Modern work is typically categorized as laborious or [[Blue-collar worker|blue-collar work]] and non-laborious or [[White-collar worker|white-collar work]].{{Sfn|Neff|1985|pp=79–80}}

=== Leisure ===
{{Main|Leisure}}
[[File:Amateur Football in Kilkenny-Ireland.jpg|thumb|Men playing [[association football]] in [[Kilkenny]], Ireland (2007)]]
Leisure is activity or lack of activity that takes place outside of work. It provides relaxation, [[entertainment]], and improved quality of life for individuals.<ref name=":3" /> Engaging in leisure can be beneficial for physical and mental health. It may be used to seek temporary relief from [[psychological stress]], to produce positive emotions, or to facilitate social interaction. However, leisure can also facilitate health risks and [[negative emotion]]s caused by [[boredom]], [[substance abuse]], or [[Risk|high-risk behavior]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Caldwell |first=Linda L. |date=2005-02-01 |title=Leisure and health: why is leisure therapeutic? |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/03069880412331335939 |journal=British Journal of Guidance & Counselling |volume=33 |issue=1 |pages=7–26 |doi=10.1080/03069880412331335939 |issn=0306-9885 |s2cid=144193642|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Leisure may be defined as serious or casual.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=Stebbins |first=Robert A. |date=2001 |title=Serious Leisure |url=https://www.proquest.com/openview/d7879f2e6d26559fdf8d5bef294d9ee6/1 |url-status=live |journal=Society |volume=38 |issue=4 |pages=53–57 |doi=10.1007/s12115-001-1023-8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825185729/https://www.proquest.com/openview/d7879f2e6d26559fdf8d5bef294d9ee6/1 |archive-date=2022-08-25 |access-date=2022-08-14|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Serious leisure behaviors involve non-professional pursuit of arts and sciences, the development of [[Hobby|hobbies]], or career volunteering in an area of expertise.<ref name=":4" /> Casual leisure behaviors provide short-term gratification, but they do not provide long-term gratification or personal identity. These include [[Play (activity)|play]], relaxation, casual social interaction, [[volunteering]], passive entertainment, active entertainment, and sensory stimulation. Passive entertainment is typically derived from [[mass media]], which may include written works or [[digital media]]. Active entertainment involves games in which individuals participate. Sensory stimulation is immediate gratification from behaviors such as eating or sexual intercourse.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Stebbins |first=Robert A. |date=2001-01-01 |title=The costs and benefits of hedonism: some consequences of taking casual leisure seriously |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/02614360110086561 |journal=Leisure Studies |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=305–309 |doi=10.1080/02614360110086561 |s2cid=145273350 |issn=0261-4367 |access-date=2022-08-14 |archive-date=2022-08-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825185730/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02614360110086561 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== Consumption ===
{{Main|Consumer behaviour}}
Humans operate as [[consumer]]s that obtain and use goods. All production is ultimately designed for [[Consumption (economics)|consumption]], and consumers adapt their behavior based on the availability of production. [[Mass consumption]] began during the Industrial Revolution, caused by the development of new technologies that allowed for increased production.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=de Vries |first=Jan |title=The Industrious Revolution: Consumer Behavior and the Household Economy, 1650 to the Present |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-0511409936 |pages=4–7}}</ref> Many factors affect a consumer's decision to purchase goods through trade. They may consider the nature of the product, its associated cost, the convenience of purchase, and the nature of [[advertising]] around the product. Cultural factors may influence this decision, as different cultures value different things, and [[subculture]]s may have different priorities when it comes to purchasing decisions. [[Social class]], including wealth, education, and occupation may affect one's purchasing behavior. A consumer's interpersonal relationships and [[reference group]]s may also influence purchasing behavior.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gajjar |first=Nilesh B. |date=2013 |title=Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior |journal=International Journal of Research in Health Science |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=10–15 |issn=2320-771X}}</ref>