Direct displays of respect can reduce conflict in Arab protests, where a premium is placed on honor. Such displays enable people in potentially volatile crowd situations to accrue honor while avoiding risks associated with violent confrontation. These conclusions are based on studies of Arab … [Read more...] about Respect for Arab Crowds
values
Gain Cognitive Flexibility By Seeking Experiences that Test Your Morals
A family eats their dog after it has been run over by a car. Is this behavior right or wrong? Our lives are filled with moral questions. Some of them we don’t have to deliberate over very long. Most Americans say it’s “wrong” to eat dogs without much deliberation. That’s because there’s agreement … [Read more...] about Gain Cognitive Flexibility By Seeking Experiences that Test Your Morals
Cultural Norms: Do they Matter?
In some countries, women are expected to cover themselves from head to toe. In others, bikini bottoms are plenty sufficient. In some places, baskets are carried in the arms. In others, they are placed on the head. Cultural norms are the standards we live by. They are the shared expectations and … [Read more...] about Cultural Norms: Do they Matter?
Do You Struggle with Indecisiveness? Maybe it’s in Your Culture
Indecisiveness is bad. Indecisive politicians are a bunch of wishy-washy flip-floppers. Decisive entrepreneurs grow great businesses (or at least fail spectacularly while trying). If a decision is a commitment to a course of action, then “indecision” is a failure to commit. Indecisiveness … [Read more...] about Do You Struggle with Indecisiveness? Maybe it’s in Your Culture
Afghan Values of Honor and Respect
Honor and respect are fundamental Afghan values. Yet, a recent study found subtle differences in how Afghans in different groups and situations interpret honor. Also, the conceptions of honor and respect as held among Afghans do not necessarily correspond with neighboring American concepts. The … [Read more...] about Afghan Values of Honor and Respect