Social cognition and prosocial behavior in public spaces: a naturalistic study in Bogotá, Colombia

Prosociality is of increasing relevance in urban contexts characterized by complex social interactions, where it plays a fundamental role in promoting cooperation and strengthening social cohesion. In this research, we examined the relationship between social cognition and prosocial behaviors observed in a naturalistic setting - the San Alejo Flea Market in Bogotá, Colombia. Specifically, empathy and prosocial behaviors such as altruism and cooperation were explored as the foundations of human prosociality, framed within social neuroscience. Using an ecological approach, 36 hours of systematic observation were conducted to characterize prosocial behavior in situ, complemented by a survey and a psychometric instrument assessing social cognition among adults aged 25–55. A total of 32,123 behaviors were recorded, with empathy being the most frequent (86.4%), followed by spatial interaction (11.8%), cooperation (1.5%), and altruism (0.1%). Four main findings emerged: (1) social cognition scores were higher in women than in men; (2) individuals in lower socioeconomic positions exhibited higher levels of social cognition; (3) observational data showed a higher frequency of prosocial behaviors among men; and (4) environmental conditions were associated with behavior, with higher frequencies observed on warm days and in the presence of music, particularly under cloudy conditions. These results reveal a divergence between self-reported social cognition and observable prosocial behavior, and highlight the importance of studying social processes in natural contexts. Public spaces emerge as key settings where cognition, social norms, and environmental factors interact, underscoring their importance as venues for encounter, coexistence, and social cohesion in contemporary urban environments.