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person holding phone in front of profile pictures
March 1, 2023

A Novel Strategy for Fighting Discrimination on Online Platforms

Profile pictures build trust on peer-to-peer platforms—but they can also breed discrimination. Small changes to profile photos could make a difference.

College quad with students walking away from the center
January 2, 2023

College Campuses Are Becoming More Diverse. But How Much Do Students from Different Backgrounds Actually Interact?

Increasing diversity has been a key goal, “but far less attention is paid to what happens after we get people in the door.”

person climbing a small ladder against a wall with longer ladders
December 1, 2022

How COVID Changed the Way Americans Think about Economic Inequality

For some, the pandemic laid bare the social factors that can keep people down. But not everyone adopted a new perspective.

four people stand in a circle, with one speaking and the others reflecting on their statement.
October 1, 2022

How We Justify Our Unpopular Opinions

The tactic makes controversial views more palatable to others—and has implications for the rampant spread of fake news.

group of people protest in shadow of a statue to earlier protestors.
October 1, 2022

When Do People Protest and When Do They Just Grumble? History Offers Clues.

A tradition of anti-government uprisings can impact communities centuries later.

group of people taking a test with several cheating off others
August 1, 2022

The Surprising Way Crowd Size Affects Our Tendency to Cheat

Organizations would be wise to understand the psychology behind this phenomenon.

A man walks into a therapy room.
August 1, 2022

For Those Living in Poverty, Therapy Can Have Benefits Beyond Mental Health

A large study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy can also improve physical health and economic outcomes.

group of protesters holding signs
July 1, 2022

How to Build a More Diverse Environmental Movement

People of color will disproportionately suffer from climate change, yet there is a striking lack of diversity in mainstream environmental organizations. Broadening what counts as an environmental issue could build a larger, more inclusive coalition.

executive describes sustainable investments
June 10, 2022

How to Measure Your Organization’s Social Impact

Smart people and good intentions don’t guarantee success. You need a thoughtful plan to measure what you are actually accomplishing.

two men point fingers at each other while talking
March 1, 2022

Why Accusations of Discrimination Often Morph into Debates about Free Speech

A study of the psychology behind this common rhetorical tactic.

employees look out a business window at protestors
February 1, 2022

Hoping to Drive Social Change at Work? Here’s a Tip.

Certain social movement hashtags and labels could turn off the allies you want to recruit.

person opening laptop with conspiracy theories appearing in speech bubble
September 7, 2021

How Did COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories Get So Out of Control?

Misinformation is thriving in an environment where people feel disconnected. Social media isn’t helping.

man in store aisle compares eco-friendly product with conventional product.
July 1, 2021

Are Customers Skeptical of Eco-friendly Products?

New research pushes back on the idea that consumers reflexively distrust the performance of these products.

two people look through monoculars at money bags
June 1, 2021

Why Do Some People See Inequality Where Others Don’t?

A new study helps explain societies’ deeply polarized views on bias and discrimination.

diverse group of students in a classroom
May 3, 2021

How Do Immigrant Students Affect Their Classmates' Academic Performance?

While previous studies suggested a negative impact, new, more precise research shows these students often boost their U.S.-born peers’ test scores

CEO looks out window at protesters
April 28, 2021

Why Companies Should Engage with Activists

As calls for social change grow louder, corporations that stay silent risk alienating both customers and employees.

Shoppers use debit card terminal
April 1, 2021

How Debit Cards Are Helping Low-Income Households Save—and Benefiting Their Neighbors Too

A federal initiative in Mexico had huge spillover effects.

Student distance learning on computer at school
March 1, 2021

There’s an Education Gap Between Rural and Urban Communities. Can Technology Bridge It?

Researchers identified a program that helps rural students learn—and improves their incomes later in life.

executive describes sustainable investments
February 17, 2021

Understanding the Rapidly Evolving World of Sustainable Finance

It’s no longer a niche investment strategy—and it has the potential to deliver strong returns.

basketball player shooting jumpshot with dollar bills trailing shot
February 4, 2021

Big-Time College Athletes Don’t Get Paid. Here’s How This Amplifies Racial Inequities.

A new study finds that much of the revenue from football and basketball, which have a high proportion of Black athletes, gets funneled to predominantly white teams.

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The Insightful Leader

April 17, 2023  ·  17:43 minutes