Hypocrisy – why we hate it and why we can’t do without it

Rafael Behr talks to behavioural scientist Dr Michael Hallsworth about his new book, “The Hypocrisy Trap: How Changing What We Criticise Can Improve Our Lives.”

They discuss:

• How the concept of hypocrisy first emerged as part of an evolutionary status game; 
• How calling others out can be more powerful than proclaiming our own virtue; 
• Why we might tolerate some ‘polite’ hypocrisy at home but not in Westminster;
• How hypocrisy is an inescapable part of any ‘civilisation, according to Sigmund Freud;
• Should we be more discerning in the types we call out, but much tougher on the ‘double standards’ hypocrisy that corrodes trust, fairness and the basic promise that citizens stand equal before the law?

Dr Michael Hallsworth is Chief Behavioural Scientist at the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) in the Americas, where he applies behavioural science to policy, organisational design and real‑world behavioural change. He describes himself as someone “helping people apply behavioural science to real‑world problems.” 

At BIT, Michael has led numerous projects spanning government and private sector domains, bridging rigorous academic research with operational behavioural insight. 

More information about Dr Michael Hallsworth and his new book:

https://www.michaelhallsworth.com

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