sociology
How humans came to feel comfortable among strangers, like those in a café, is an under-explored mystery.
One hypothesis: “gossip traps.”
80% of the world was once polygamous. What happened?
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5 min
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You can’t spot a liar just by looking — but psychologists are zeroing in on methods that might actually work.
The curiosity of children is a national resource. Adults destroy it.
Changes in the world population are determined by two metrics: the number of babies born, and number of people dying.
The lack of friendship is particularly a problem for men. But there are easy ways to make friends.
Adolescents actively shape the transformation of religion and become the bearers of new religious patterns, worldviews, and values.
Do you think other people are happier than you?
Most people care what others think of them. In many situations, that can be leveraged for the common good.
Expert Louise Perry discusses the idea of sexual disenchantment, the commodification of sex, and the impact of the online porn industry on society.
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6 min
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Most male mammals have little or nothing to do with their kids. Why is our own species different?
Long-term research efforts have revealed alarming mental health trends.
Nevada has the fewest number of native-born citizens.
Considering the perspectives of others has important benefits for individuals and for society. There is one easy way to do it.
Americans without friends have increased 400% in recent years. Here’s why.
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8 min
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Being a jerk gets you rich, promoted, and laid (if you’re a man). But there is a downside.
Sexual attitudes are more man-like than ever. Here’s what that means for women.
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7 min
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Mass sociogenic illnesses can afflict thousands of people.
Worldwide, 15% of children are born out of wedlock, but the figure varies from less than 1% in places like China to 69% in Iceland.
Social media has made yelling past each other all the easier.
About 1 in 5 adults now say they have no religious affiliation, up from 1 in 50 in 1960.
Why marriage is thriving — and dying — in different American classes.
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6 min
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Take a trip through these master-crafted fantasy societies and ask yourself: Could I actually live there?
Lonely humans will become infatuated with AI-fabricated personas.
Hint: They hold off on talking about their alien god until much later.
Would you want to live in any of these places?
How to separate the reality from the conspiracy theory.
“I am an anthropologist, and for years, I have spoken to people who have had these experiences.”