How Social Norms Shape Our World: Michele Gelfand's Insights on 'All In The Mind'
Culture is one of the last uncharted frontiers. These social norms or informal rules of conduct determine whether we co-operate or come into conflict, at both the collective and individual levels.
What makes us follow certain rules while ignoring others? Michele Gelfand, a leading psychology professor, dives into this fascinating question on 'All In The Mind'. She explores the intriguing concept of 'tight' and 'loose' cultures, and how these social norms influence our behavior on both personal and societal levels. Tight cultures are those with strict rules and high levels of conformity, while loose cultures are more relaxed and permissive.
Gelfand’s research reveals how these cultural frameworks can dictate whether we cooperate or clash with one another. From the neuroscience behind these behaviors to the everyday mindsets they create, this episode offers a deep dive into the hidden forces that shape our lives. One of the key takeaways is the importance of finding a balance between tightness and looseness.
Too much rigidity or too much freedom can lead to problems, and Gelfand emphasizes the need for accountability and adaptability in our social norms. She even offers a quiz to help you understand your own cultural tendencies. Whether you're curious about why certain societies thrive while others struggle, or you just want to understand your own behavior better, this episode is packed with insights that will make you think twice about the 'rules' you live by.