The power of social norms—rules to make or break?The power of social norms—rules to make or break?
All In The Mind
What ultimately drives human behaviour? A leading professor of psychology, Michele Gelfand, suggests that culture is one of the last uncharted frontiers. From her pioneering research into cultural and social norms she’s found an important distinction between tight and loose cultures, and their tendency to make or break rules. These social norms or informal rules of conduct determine whether we co-operate or come into conflict, at both the collective and individual levels.
29:06•9 Jun 2019
Tight vs. Loose Cultures: The Hidden Rules Shaping Our Lives
“These social norms or informal rules of conduct determine whether we co-operate or come into conflict, at both the collective and individual levels.”
Ever wondered why some societies stick rigidly to rules while others seem more relaxed? This episode of 'All In The Mind' dives into the fascinating world of social norms with Professor Michele Gelfand. Hosted by Lynne Malcolm, the conversation unpacks Gelfand's groundbreaking research into 'tight' and 'loose' cultures. These terms might sound odd, but they explain a lot about how different groups behave and interact.
Tight cultures have strict rules and expect conformity, while loose cultures are more permissive and flexible. This isn't just academic talk—these norms impact everything from our daily interactions to how we handle conflict. Gelfand shares eye-opening examples and neuroscientific insights that show why understanding these cultural differences is crucial. Whether you're curious about why some countries handle crises better or why certain workplaces feel more rigid, this episode offers plenty of food for thought.
Tune in to learn how these hidden rules influence your life more than you might think.
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