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ReThinking

The science of fighting crime with Nick Cowen

Nov 19, 2024
Nick Cowen, a criminologist at the University of Lincoln, explores innovative crime prevention strategies. He shares insights on how societal norms and incentives led to a significant decline in drunk driving fatalities in the UK. The conversation dives into the complexities of human behavior, examining the impact of community standards and moral obligations on crime rates. Additionally, Nick discusses how evolving perceptions of violence can reshape societal attitudes toward risky behaviors, highlighting the importance of preventative measures in crime fighting.
32:57

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Cultural perceptions of drunk driving are changing, with increased awareness making it socially stigmatized rather than acceptable behavior.
  • Effective policies and public messaging can reshape social norms around drunk driving, promoting prevention over punishment in reducing incidents.

Deep dives

Cultural Change in Drunk Driving Perception

Cultural perceptions of drunk driving are shifting significantly, with fewer individuals viewing it as acceptable behavior. This change is attributed to increased awareness and social norms, suggesting that individuals are starting to see drunk driving as deviant rather than normal. Evidence indicates that when fewer people are caught driving under the influence, the behavior becomes socially stigmatized, contributing to cultural shifts. As a result, individuals are more likely to plan ahead for transportation to avoid the embarrassment associated with drunk driving.

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