Michael Morris, a cultural psychologist and author of "Tribal," dives into the fascinating world of tribalism and its impact on culture. He discusses how our social instincts govern our identities and the roles of peer and hero instincts in shaping our interactions. Morris unpacks the psychological reasons behind hero worship and explores how traditions can offer resilience against anxiety. He also addresses the challenges of ideological sorting and the fluidity of cultural identity, revealing how small collective actions can drive significant cultural change.
Tribal instincts, often viewed negatively, play a crucial role in fostering group cooperation and creativity in society.
Cultural identity is dynamic, as individuals navigate various subcultures, demonstrating the adaptive nature of code-switching in diverse environments.
Deep dives
Understanding Tribalism
Tribalism is often associated with negative connotations, but it fundamentally represents our innate instincts to connect with groups. These tribal instincts are not merely liabilities; they are functional and have historically underpinned positive human achievements. Rather than viewing these instincts through a lens of blame, it's essential to recognize their role in fostering group cooperation and creativity. Emphasizing their adaptive nature provides a framework for understanding how they can positively influence societal behaviors.
The Three Core Tribal Instincts
Tribal instincts can be categorized into three essential types: the peer instinct, hero instinct, and ancestor instinct. The peer instinct drives individuals to conform to social norms and behaviors, which can both limit creative thinking and facilitate collective creativity. The hero instinct motivates individuals to perform exemplary acts for the good of their group, creating incentives for pro-social behavior and cooperation. Lastly, the ancestor instinct connects us to our history and traditions, aiding the preservation of cultural knowledge and practices across generations.
Cultural Code-Switching
Cultural identity is multifaceted, and individuals often navigate between various subcultures, adapting their behaviors and values accordingly. This phenomenon, known as code-switching, is not just linguistic but also extends to cognitive and motivational frameworks that vary by context. The ability to shift among these cultural identities is both adaptive and necessary for social functioning in diverse environments. Understanding how these identities interplay can illuminate the complexities of individual behaviors and social cohesion.
Tribalism and Cultural Evolution
Although tribalism has been implicated in societal divisions, it also serves as a framework for understanding cultural evolution and change. Positive shifts in culture often emerge from the actions of small, committed groups advocating for new conventions, demonstrating that culture is not static but dynamic. By harnessing the underlying tribal instincts, societies can reshape norms and address challenges, facilitating progress and cohesion. Thus, acknowledging our tribal instincts empowers us to mold culture positively rather than fear it.
Be it down to our professions, taste in music or favourite sports teams we all belong to several different tribes. But what drives this instinct and what purpose does it serve?
In this episode, we speak to cultural psychologist Prof Michael Morris about his latest book: Tribal – How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together.
He breaks down the influence our peers have on us, explains why we look up to hero figures and why tradition has such a huge impact on our beliefs, lifestyles and identities.