You Are Not So Smart 212 - The Power of Us - Jay Van Bavel
Aug 8, 2021
Psychologist Jay Van Bavel discusses his book 'The Power of Us' exploring the dynamics of shared social identities, including the influence of group dynamics, social influence, identity on food preferences, and extreme behaviors influenced by online content.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Power of Minimal Groups
- Minimal groups created by arbitrary distinctions trigger immediate discrimination favoring in-group members.
- People maximize group differences rather than just in-group gains, even at personal cost.
Group Identity Boosts Cooperation
- Activating a shared group identity changes selfish individuals into cooperative team players.
- People allocate resources to maximize group benefit when their collective self is salient.
Southern Identity Influences Taste
- Southerners prefer traditional Southern foods more strongly when their Southern identity is activated.
- Identity primes influence personal tastes, like food preferences, based on cultural affiliation.