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The Power of Us: How Our Shared Identities Foster Conflict and Cooperation

Tuesday 1 April 2025, 4.00PM to 5.00pm

Speaker(s): Professor Jay van Bavel, New York University

Abstract: Group cooperation is one of the most profound features of human nature. I argue that groups are central to how we define ourselves and this provides an opportunity for solidarity and conflict—even with complete strangers. Different identities become salient at different times and when a particular social identity is active it can have striking effects on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In this talk I will explain how key principles of social identity are key for understanding some of the biggest challenges facing humanity, including intergroup conflict, polarization, misinformation, climate change, and democracy. (All papers are free on my website: www.jayvanbavel.com)

Location: Online