Dr. Pragya Agarwal, an expert in unconscious bias and author of "Sway," joins BBC broadcaster Kavita Puri for a compelling conversation. They explore the origins of implicit biases, touching on technology and societal impacts. The discussion covers the complexities of bias beyond race and gender, including beauty and accents. They also critique the use of the term BAME and emphasize the necessity for awareness and proactive strategies to combat discrimination. Listeners gain insights into fostering inclusivity and better communication.
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Implicit vs. Explicit Bias
Implicit biases are unconscious prejudices or stereotypes that influence our actions and decisions.
They differ from explicit biases, which we consciously acknowledge and express.
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Broad Range of Biases
Biases extend beyond race and gender, encompassing factors like accents, beauty, and even height.
Pragya Agarwal highlights examples like YouTube's left-handedness oversight and crayon color limitations.
insights INSIGHT
Evolutionary Origin of Bias
Bias has evolutionary roots, stemming from survival instincts and in-group/out-group distinctions.
Our ancestors made quick judgments about threats, influencing our present-day biases.
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In 'Sway: Unravelling Unconscious Bias', Dr. Pragya Agarwal delves into the science behind unconscious biases, using real-world stories and scientific theories to explain how these biases affect our perceptions and decisions. The book covers a wide range of biases, including sexism, racism, ageism, and more, providing insights into their origins and effects on technology and society.
Sway, Unraveling Unconscious Bias
Sway, Unraveling Unconscious Bias
Pragya Agarwal
In the wake of sweeping protests about racism and police brutality, this week we speak to Dr Pragya Agarwal to unravel the way our implicit or 'unintentional' biases affect the way we communicate and perceive the world. Dr Agarwal spoke to author and BBC broadcaster Kavita Puri about her new book 'Sway' and to answer questions like: is prejudice rooted in our evolutionary past? How has bias affected technology? And how can understanding bias help us root our racism and discrimination in our societies? To find out more about Dr Agarwal's book click here: https://amzn.to/2V0pTmz. And to see more about Kavita Puri's book see here: https://amzn.to/3ehDjlN. ---------------------------------------------- Intelligence Squared+. The world's best speakers. Your questions. £4.99 per month. Intelligence Squared+ will bring you live, interactive events every week on our new online platform. Just like at our real-life events, you’ll be able to put your questions to our speakers, vote in live polls and interact with other members of the audience. Your subscription will give you access to multiple events featuring the world’s top thinkers and opinion formers, including Thomas Piketty, Margaret Atwood, Clive Woodward, Thomas Friedman, Meera Syal and Paloma Faith. For a full list of Intelligence Squared+ events and to subscribe, click here: https://bit.ly/2yfYIfm.
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