Rule Makers & Rule Breakers
A fascinating interview with Michele Gelfand about her new book, Rule Makers, Rule Breakers
, and the exploration of the powerful forces tight and loose cultures play in wiring the world. Michele Gelfand is a celebrated cultural psychologist having spent two decades of research within this field.Michele takes us on an epic journey through human cultures, offering a startling new view of the world and ourselves. It’s not often that we think of how cultures determine our behaviours however with many great examples Michele delivers some surprising discoveries. She explains why and how much of the diversity in the way that we think and act, derives from a key difference—how tightly or loosely we adhere to social norms. Enjoy!Guest Bio
Michele Gelfand is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, College Park. Gelfand uses field, experimental, computational, and neuroscience methods to understand the evolution of culture–as well as its multilevel consequences for human groups. Her work has been cited over 20,000 times and has been featured in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, National Public Radio, Voice of America, Fox News, NBC News, ABC News, The Economist, De Standard, among other outlets.
She is the author of Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire the World (Scribner, 2018) and co-editor of the following books: Values, Political Action, and Change in the Middle East and the Arab Spring (Oxford University Press, 2017); The Handbook of Conflict and Conflict Management (Taylor & Francis, 2013); and The Handbook of Negotiation and Culture (2004, Stanford University Press). Additionally, she is the founding co-editor of the Advances in Culture and Psychology Annual Series and the Frontiers of Culture and Psychology series (Oxford University Press).
A native New Yorker, Michele currently lives in University Park, Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and her dog, Pepper.
Topics of discussion
- Finding your path in career and in life.
- Why Cultures shape our lives.
- Why social norms exist – the creation of rules.
- Tight and loose cultures, the pros and cons.
- How threat determines the nature of cultures.
- How can we influence social norms and culture.
Quick round questions
Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?
Having good health habits and operating with traditions.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Take risks and go for it!
How would you define success? What does success look like to you?
Learning a lot and creating innovative ideas.
What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity?
Having learning goals and performance goals.
If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?
Spicy foods – Ethiopian cuisine and German dry Riesling.
What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy?
I love being a parent and a teacher.
If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be?
Joyful Wisdom: Embracing Change and Finding Freedom
by The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness
by Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World
by Michele GelfandWhat quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?
“Be passionate about what you do. Don’t be afraid to be controversialalDon’tnt take yourself too seriously.”
Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?
Yes and no. Some people do and some people don’t.
What does living with passion and purpose mean?
Having many new experiences.
What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do?
Discovery.
Connect with Michele here.
Further Reading and Resources
TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading
Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y
Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.
The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.
Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain
Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate
The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.
The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.
Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.
Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.
Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.
Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.”
Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.
The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.
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