This book investigates the mechanisms behind the formation, maintenance, and modification of social norms within diverse human populations. Cristina Bicchieri, a professor of philosophy and psychology, utilizes game theory and behavioral economics to construct a framework for identifying when a shared practice qualifies as a social norm. She argues that understanding individual expectations and preferences is the primary requirement for designing effective policy interventions that aim to alter collective behavior.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for practitioners in international development and public policy. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which requires a basic familiarity with behavioral science concepts to fully grasp the proposed methodologies.