Us and Them: Understanding Your Tribal Mind

Eric j. weiner , David Berreby

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Fifty years ago, Wall Street was not what it is today. It was a hodge-podge of companies-hundreds of them-operating in an environment where high-tech meant an electric typewriter and the Wasps and Jews never mixed. Today, Wall Street is controlled by a few massive firms and, it often seems, few ethical constraints. The tale of Wall Street's rise and transformation is one of the most exciting and important of our time.

But amazingly, never before have the players who saw everything-large and small, from tycoons in limousines to the barber in the basement of the stock exchange-directly told their stories. Here, at long last, are the Masters of the Universe and the con men; the backroom geniuses and the power-tie billionaires-all in first person, uncensored, brash, bold, and often not so fond of one another. The result is the most vibrant business history published in years, perfect for anyone who wishes they had been a fly on the boardroom wall.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Identity Formation: Berreby discusses how identities are not fixed but rather fluid and shaped by various factors, including social, cultural, and biological influences.

  2. Group Psychology: The book explores the psychology behind group formation, highlighting how humans naturally categorize themselves into social groups and how these affiliations influence behavior and perception.

  3. In-Group vs. Out-Group Dynamics: Berreby likely discusses the dynamics between in-groups (those to which individuals belong) and out-groups (those perceived as different), exploring how these distinctions impact human behavior, biases, and interactions.

  4. Categorization and Stereotyping: The book might delve into how individuals categorize others based on perceived group identities, leading to stereotypes and biases.

  5. Cultural Influences: Berreby may discuss how cultural norms, traditions, and societal structures contribute to the formation of group identities and influence individual behavior.

  6. Evolutionary Perspectives: The book might touch upon evolutionary psychology, examining how the human propensity for group identification might have evolved and its adaptive significance.

  7. Complexity of Identity: Berreby likely emphasizes the multifaceted nature of human identity, rejecting simplistic categorizations and highlighting the complexity of individual and group identities.

  8. Social Behavior and Conflict: Understanding the dynamics of group identities sheds light on social behaviors, conflicts, and intergroup relations, including how biases and prejudices arise.

  9. Psychological Impact: The book may explore the psychological impact of group affiliations on individuals, including self-perception, self-esteem, and belongingness.

  10. Implications for Society: Berreby might discuss the broader societal implications of understanding the science of identity, including fostering empathy, reducing discrimination, and promoting social cohesion.

Language English
ISBN-10 0316154989
ISBN-13 9780316154987
No of pages 512
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Little, Brown and Company
Published Date 07 Sep 2006

About Author

Author : Eric j. weiner

1 Books

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