Nick Cowen

Nick Cowen, a criminologist from the University of Lincoln, dives into the fascinating interplay between crime prevention and social norms. He reveals how cultural shifts have dramatically reduced drunk driving incidents in the UK. The conversation explores the psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior and the importance of community perceptions in shaping societal change. With engaging personal anecdotes, Cowen illustrates the complexities of human choices and the significance of trust in cultivating safer societies.

Nick Cowen, a criminologist at the University of Lincoln, explores innovative crime prevention strategies. He shares insights on how societal norms and incentives led to a significant decline in drunk driving fatalities in the UK. The conversation dives into the complexities of human behavior, examining the impact of community standards and moral obligations on crime rates. Additionally, Nick discusses how evolving perceptions of violence can reshape societal attitudes toward risky behaviors, highlighting the importance of preventative measures in crime fighting.

Criminologist Nick Cowen, affiliated with NYU and the University of Lincoln, discusses the evolution of drunk driving from a social norm to a taboo. He emphasizes that societal norms can effectively deter crime, advocating lighter sanctions to change behavior. Cowen also explores how community-driven norm shifts could address violent crime clusters. Additionally, he reflects on the impact of media narratives surrounding recent mass shootings and links them to cultural issues like CTE in the NFL and its historical implications.