Why We Are Who We Are – The Science of Identity | How To Academy
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Wed, 8 September 2021

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm GMT

Why We Are Who We Are – The Science of Identity

Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer In Conversation With Hannah MacInnes

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How can a better understanding of your identity improve your physical and psychological health, boost your productivity, and even make you more altruistic?

If you’re like most people, you probably believe that your identity is stable. But in fact, your identity is constantly changing – often outside your conscious awareness and sometimes even against your wishes – to reflect the interests of the groups of which you’re a part. And that fluid identity has a powerful influence over your feelings, beliefs, and behaviours.

In this livestream event, psychologists Packer and Van Bavel will integrate their own cutting-edge research in psychology, neuroscience and economics to explain what identity really is and show how to harness its dynamic nature to improve our own lives, combat discrimination and bridge social and political divides.

Along the way, they will explain such seemingly unrelated phenomenon as why men cry at football games but not funerals, why the history of slavery in U.S. counties is one of the best predictors of current day racism, and why Canada keeps a national reserve of maple syrup. Packed with fascinating insights, vivid case studies, and pioneering research, this livestream event will change the way you understand yourself – and others – forever.

Praise for Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer’s The Power of Us:

‘Better than I have ever seen, The Power of Us assesses the influence of tribalism on our actions and specifies ways to turn the force from destructive to constructive. A truly important booK.’ – Robert Cialdini, author of Influence and Pre-Suasion

‘As American politics shifts from fights over ideology and policies to conflict over basic identities, we increasingly need help from social psychologists to understand what is going on. The Power of Us is an excellent resource in filling this urgent need.’ – Francis Fukuyama, author of Identity

‘The Power of Us is a fascinating journey into the science of identity. If you’ve ever struggled to understand why people join cults or mindlessly conform – or wondered how to build great teams and influence better choices – this is the book you need. It is a practical, entertaining and, above all, vital guide to human behaviour.’ – Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better

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Jay Van Bavel

Professor of Psychology

Jay Van Bavel is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science at New York University and is affiliated with Management and Organizations in the STERN School of Business. His research draws on everything from neuroscience to social networks to examine how our group identities shape our perceptions and actions. Dr. Van Bavel’s writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review and the Washington Post. He has given a TEDx talk and appeared on Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman, as well as Al Jazeera, CBC, Bloomberg News, and The Wall Street Journal.

Dominic Packer

Professor of Psychology

Dominic Packer is a Professor of Psychology at Lehigh University, and the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs in Arts & Sciences. Dr. Packer’s writing has appeared in Scientific American Mind, the Washington Post, and Harvard Business Review. His research has been covered by international media outlets (including the New York Times, the Washington Post, BBC, Daily Telegraph and Psychology Today). He regularly teaches a range of courses, from some of the largest lecture courses at his university to intimate seminars on identity and social change.

Hannah MacInnes

Journalist and Broadcaster

Hannah MacInnes is a broadcaster and journalist. Alongside hosting How To Academy’s live programmes and podcast, she presents a cultural show on Times Radio and interviews on-stage at a number of other major literary events. She is the host of The Klosters Forum Podcast series and has written for the Radio Times, the Evening Standard and TLS. Before going freelance she worked for 8 years at BBC Newsnight, as Planning Editor and as a Producer / Filmmaker.

 

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