ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Can 'normalisation of deviance' help to explain a catastrophe?
Can 'normalisation of deviance' help to explain a catastrophe?
Can 'normalisation of deviance' help to explain a catastrophe?
Saturday 14th February 2026
Explore how 'normalisation of deviance' explains catastrophic events like the Challenger disaster and its implications across industries.
35 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Eye-opening
Educational
Honest
About this podcast
Author:
ABC Radio
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
523 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!The Hidden Risks Behind Normalisation of Deviance
Episode Overview
- Normalisation of deviance can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
- Human psychology plays a crucial role in organisational failures.
- Listening to intuition can help prevent disasters.
- Organisational culture impacts safety and risk management.
- 'Drift into failure' explains gradual acceptance of risky behaviours.
"You are not aware of it happening, and that is where the big danger of normalisation of deviance really lies."
How do individuals turn their lives around after addiction? This episode of 'All In The Mind' dives into the concept of 'normalisation of deviance' to explain catastrophic events, like the Challenger space shuttle disaster. With gripping insights from experts like Dr. Nate Sedlar and Professor Sidney Decker, the episode explores how seemingly minor deviations from the norm can snowball into major failures in high-risk industries.
Whether it's the erosion of the O-rings in Challenger or the foam strikes on Columbia, these incidents highlight how organisational culture and human psychology can contribute to disaster. Dr. Sedlar breaks down how 'normalisation of deviance' occurs, especially in complex systems like healthcare and spaceflight, where cutting corners can become routine. Professor Decker adds depth by discussing 'drift into failure,' a concept that explains how small, rational decisions can lead to catastrophic outcomes over time.
Their discussions reveal that it's not just about mechanical failures but also about the culture that allows such deviations to become normalised. The episode doesn't just focus on the past; it also offers practical advice for preventing future disasters. By staying sceptical of success and listening to intuition, organisations can mitigate risks. This isn't just a lesson for NASA but for any industry where safety is paramount. Curious about how these concepts apply to everyday life?
Tune in to hear how they relate to everything from clinical drug trials to firefighting practices. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the human factors behind technological failures.