Category: Sociology

Economics

Would You Pass The Wallet Test

A study conducted by the universities of Michigan, Utah, and Zurich, involving over 17,000 front-desk workers worldwide, aimed to understand what drives honesty. The study found that people were more likely to report lost wallets when they contained money, rather than when they were empty, suggesting that self-interest may not be as powerful as previously thought and that individuals’ desire to maintain a positive self-image and be seen as honest can motivate them to act honestly.

Economics

These Companies With No Ceo Are Thriving

Cooperatives, or co-ops, are a significant part of the global economy, employing 280 million people and handling over $2 trillion annually. Co-ops are jointly owned by their members, who can be consumers, producers, or workers, and are controlled democratically. Studies show that co-op start-ups are less likely to close within five years compared to traditional businesses, and co-op workers tend to be happier with their jobs.

Grade 11

Should You Care What Your Parents Think

The article discusses the psychology behind forbidden desires, focusing on reactance theory and the social network effect. Reactance theory explains our urge to do the exact thing we’ve been warned against when our freedom is threatened, while the social network effect suggests that the long-term success of romantic relationships is influenced by the approval or disapproval of friends and family. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of understanding the balance between the need for independence and the need for social approval in human behavior.

Economics

Is Inequality Inevitable

The article discusses wealth inequality in South Africa and explores the question of whether inequality is inevitable. It explains the use of the Gini index to measure inequality and highlights the limitations of this measure. The article also examines the role of government choices and economic systems in contributing to inequality, and discusses ways to reduce inequality, such as progressive taxes, transfers, and access to services. It concludes by emphasizing the global divide in wealth and power and the need to weaken the feedback loops that perpetuate inequality.

Economics

Is Capitalism Actually Broken

The article discusses the different aspects of capitalism and its challenges. It explains how capitalism is not a singular system but rather a spectrum of economies with varying degrees of government control and market influence. The article also highlights issues such as climate change, rising inequality, and the need to address these challenges within the framework of capitalism. Ultimately, it poses the question of whether contemporary capitalism can be fixed or if a new economic system needs to be built.

Grade 10

The Sibling Rivalry That Divided A Town

The article discusses a feud between two brothers in a German town that divided the entire community. The article then explores the minimal group paradigm, a psychological experiment that shows how even arbitrary group distinctions can lead to in-group bias and conflict. The findings suggest that people use group membership to form their sense of identity, which can lead to favoritism towards their own group. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in order to overcome these biases.

Grade 7

4 Things All Great Listeners Know

Good listening is crucial for improving relationships, developing a broader perspective, and potentially changing people’s minds. It involves showing attentiveness, conveying understanding, and demonstrating a positive intention towards the speaker. Practicing good listening involves removing distractions, avoiding interruptions, asking open-ended questions, showing understanding through summarizing, staying present, embracing silence, and listening even when it’s difficult. Good listening does not necessarily mean agreeing with the speaker, but it creates a non-judgmental and psychologically safe environment for open-mindedness and deeper conversations.

Geography

Zumbi – The Last King Of Palmares

Palmares was an autonomous settlement in northeastern Brazil during the 1600s, founded and led by people escaping from slavery. The settlement reached its peak with a population exceeding 10,000 and was in constant conflict with colonial forces. Despite its eventual downfall, the legacy of Palmares lives on, with thousands of other quilombos (maroon communities) still existing in Brazil today and the Day of Black Consciousness celebrated on November 20th in honor of the leader of Palmares, Zumbi.

Grade 6

The Best Way To Apologize According To Science

The article discusses the art of apologizing and highlights the key elements of a good apology. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting responsibility for one’s actions, even if the mistake was unintentional. The article also suggests reaching beyond a non-apology and making concrete offers of repair to demonstrate remorse and accountability.

Biology

Why Do You Want To Squeeze Cute Things

The phenomenon of “cute aggression,” where people feel conflicting urges to cuddle and squeeze cute animals, is surprisingly common and affects about half of all adults. Cuteness is associated with features such as plump cheeks, large eyes, and short limbs, which stimulate brain regions associated with emotion and reward. It is hypothesized that cuteness triggers nurturing instincts and that cute aggression may be a result of emotional overload rather than an actual intention to harm.

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