Interesting. Every society has its way of encouraging its citizens to adhere to norms. The implicit vs explicit axis might be a good framework to think about

Interesting. Every society has its way of encouraging its citizens to adhere to norms. The implicit vs explicit axis might be a good framework to think about these kinds of issues. Something deep inside of me screams in terror at China's social credit system, but, if I stifle that, I can think of some pluses. The rules are explicit--you don't have to worry about breaking an unwritten rule you didn't knowabout. You don't have to play endless games of 20 questions to know where you stand with everybody. And it's nice to be recognized and rewarded in a meaningful way if you do something good. I guess what worries me is the potential for abuse--at the push of a button, you could be an unperson, saddled with so many punitive encumbrances that you wouldn't have time or resources even to try to exonerate yourself. You couldn't even move to a new place to try to make a fresh start. I guess that's one of the advantages of an implicit system....if you've burned your relations, you can get a different job, or move to a different neighborhood, and start again. Its important to have a way back. Some kind of Jubalee system, where ever 7 years your slate is wiped clean, and you can start over gain...