Description

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 THE POWER OF US, psychologists Packer and Van Bavel 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:

Increase our productivity – Improve physical and psychological health – Overcome our individual prejudice – Unlock our altruism – Break the political gridlock – Galvanize others to solve controversial global problems

Along the way, they 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, THE POWER OF US will change the way you understand yourself – and those around you – forever.

Publisher Review

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 *