Worklife with Adam Grant

How to fight prejudice with Betsy Levy Paluck

41 snips
Aug 13, 2024
Betsy Levy Paluck, a social psychologist from Princeton, dives into her groundbreaking research on combating prejudice. She shares how changing social norms can be more effective than altering individual mindsets. Their conversation highlights successful strategies from her experiments in Rwanda and schools, showcasing the power of media in promoting reconciliation. Betsy emphasizes the importance of introspection and empathy in confronting personal biases, while exploring the potential for a more accepting society.
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INSIGHT

Prejudice Definition and Origins

  • Prejudice is a pre-judgment, positive or negative, based on group affiliation.
  • It stems from our need to categorize and quickly process information, sometimes fueled by favoritism for one's own group.
INSIGHT

Animosity Development

  • Negative prejudice doesn't automatically arise from group differences. Societal narratives and leaders often channel frustrations and resentments toward other groups, creating animosity.
ANECDOTE

Rwanda Soap Opera Experiment

  • Betsy Levy Paluck's work in Rwanda involved a radio soap opera promoting reconciliation after the genocide. It changed behavior by altering perceptions of social norms, not individual attitudes.
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