
Politicology
ENCORE: Rule Makers and Rule Breakers
Feb 6, 2025
Michele Gelfand, a Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford, dives into the fascinating world of culture and its profound effects on human behavior. She explains the concepts of 'tight' and 'loose' cultures, revealing how these frameworks influence our responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Gelfand discusses the trade-offs between order and openness, and how cultural dynamics shape political landscapes. She also shares insights on implementing these ideas in our daily lives, sparking a deeper understanding of the norms that govern us.
38:51
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Quick takeaways
- The distinction between tight and loose cultures impacts social norms and responses to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cultural tightness and looseness vary not just globally but also within specific regions, influencing societal interactions and behavior.
Deep dives
Understanding the Impact of Culture on Behavior
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior and social norms, often going unnoticed in everyday life. The discussion emphasizes that while some cultures enforce strict adherence to rules, others allow for greater flexibility and individual expression. For example, in tight cultures like Singapore and Japan, social norms dictate strict behavior, while loose cultures like Brazil and Greece embrace a more lenient approach. This fundamental distinction highlights the significance of cultural context in determining how groups respond to various societal challenges.
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