Society Archives | Shortform Books

Nudge: How Choice Designers Influence Decisions

What are choice designers in the book Nudge? What steps do choice designers such as parents often take to influence their children to make better decisions? In the book Nudge, the authors present six techniques that can be used to influence the decisions of others. The authors present these methods in hopes that the choice designers will lead the choosers to a more positive decision, but many marketing companies use them to manipulate customers. Continue reading to learn how decisions can be influenced.

Nudge: Libertarian Paternalism and Choice Design

What is libertarian paternalism in the book Nudge? How would choice designers manipulate the public’s decisions? In Nudge, libertarian paternalism is prioritizing personal freedom while limiting choice to bring about better results. Authors Thaler and Sunstein thought it would be a good system, but critics don’t agree. Learn about how libertarian paternalism works in Nudge

How to Build a Tribe: Connect and Communicate

Do you know how to build a tribe? What does it require to start one and keep it going? A tribe is a group of people with a shared vision and the drive to achieve it. You can build a tribe from scratch, or you can infuse a stagnating group with new vision and energy. To keep your tribe going strong, focus on improvement and communication. Keep reading for more on how to build a tribe.

Are Humans a Monogamous Species?

Are humans monogamous by nature? What does body-size dimorphism tell us about human sexuality? In their book Sex at Dawn, authors Ryan and Jethá say that the small body size difference between men and women means that humans are meant to be polygamous. However, there are other interpretations of this data. Keep reading to learn what body-size dimorphism between males and females tell us about human sexuality.

How to Be a Leader in a Society of Followers

Are you called to be a leader? Do you have a vision and the will to make it a reality? Our society is churning out followers instead of leaders. We need leaders today more than ever. In Tribes, Seth Godin argues that all you need to assume leadership is attitude and ability, and all you need to be a leader is a vision and the drive to pursue it. Keep reading to better understand whether you should rise up and be a leader.

Partible Paternity: The Evidence of Natural Promiscuity?

What is partible paternity? Do cultures that practice partible paternity prove that humans are naturally promiscuous? In their book Sex at Dawn, authors Ryan and Jethá look to modern foraging societies that practice partible paternity (the idea that more than one man can be the biological father to a child) as evidence that humans are not meant to be monogamous. One group they cited as evidence is known as the Ye’kwana people. Continue below for Ryan and Jethá’s argument about partible paternity and promiscuity.

Tribes by Seth Godin: Definition & Characteristics

What makes any group a tribe? How does Tribes by Seth Godin define a tribe? Tribes are everywhere. Likely, you’re in more than one. In Tribes, Seth Godin defines a tribe as a group of people connected to a belief, a leader, and each other. Keep reading to get some insight on the concept of tribes according to Seth Godin’s Tribes—as well as some supplementary ideas and counterpoints from other experts.

Understanding the Psychology of Victim Blaming

What is victim blaming? Why do people sometimes blame the victim, and not the perpetrator? Victim blaming is a phenomenon whereby a victim of a crime or an accident is accused of the incident. There are several theories as to why people blame victims. Keep reading to understand the psychology of victim blaming.

No More Mr. Nice Guy: What Does It Mean?

What is the meaning of the phrase “no more Mr. Nice Guy? Where did it originate? The phrase “no more Mr. Nice Guy” is a key aspect of Dr. Robert Glover’s book of the same name, but it has been around much longer than that. The meaning of the phrase “no more Mr. Nice Guy” depends on the context in which it is used. In his book, Glover offers advice for avoiding the Nice Guy mindset, which we will explain fully in this article. Find out the true meaning of “no more Mr. Nice Guy” below.

The Impacts of Urbanization on the Family Unit

What was the impact of urbanization on the family unit? How did the shift from rural to urban life affect masculinity in particular? In No More Mr. Nice Guy, Dr. Robert Glover looks at the history of masculinity and the decline of positive associations with masculinity. He cites urbanization as one of the key factors influencing this, and also shows the effect of urbanization on the family unit as a whole. Keep reading to find out the impact of urbanization on the family.

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