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Geoffrey Cohen, a professor at Stanford University, discusses his research on the factors that influence people's sense of belonging and self, and how these feelings impact social issues. His book, "Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides," delves into this topic. Cohen shares his experience with his college roommate, Hank, who had contrasting ideological beliefs. Through their debates, Cohen realized the difficulty of understanding the reasons behind our beliefs and the influence of groups we belong to. Research suggests that our political beliefs are often post hoc rationalizations, influenced by the desire to belong. Cohen and Guy Kawasaki discuss the fundamental attribution error and the role of belonging in the political divide. They explore the "party over policy" effect, where individuals align their views with their political group's preferences. Cohen introduces the concept of situation crafting and wise interventions, small situational tweaks that promote connection and ease tensions. He emphasizes the role of belonging in shaping our political beliefs and suggests that wise interventions can fight cognitive biases. Cohen also discusses the importance of conversation in dealing with teenagers who join destructive groups. He highlights the value of connecting values to behaviors through conversations. Cohen suggests that town hall meetings and organizations promoting conversations between citizens of different political stripes can bridge divides and foster connection. He emphasizes the need for cooperative goals, turn-taking, and skilled facilitators in these conversations. Door-to-door canvassing is also effective in facilitating face-to-face interactions across political lines. Cohen suggests creating more forums to humanize and highlight our common humanity.
Geoffrey Cohen, a professor at Stanford University, discusses his research on the factors that influ