Tag: social norms

Why does the same behavioural intervention take off in one community and stall in another?

September 2, 2026

Behavioural interventions land in social worlds where people copy one another, though not all in the same way. New research shows a campaign can stall, drift or cascade depending on whether people follow the majority, the prestigious or the successful. Policy design should pay attention to how people learn from each other. … More Why does the same behavioural intervention take off in one community and stall in another?

Aerial view of flooded homes in the Netherlands

Disaster preparedness: Will a “norm nudge” sink or swim?

September 28, 2023

In a world increasingly vulnerable to climate change-induced flooding, this blog delves into an intriguing study exploring how social norms may be harnessed to improve flood preparedness among homeowners. While the study’s outcomes may challenge our initial assumptions, they underline the importance of methodical testing within the realm of behavioral science. Additionally, we take a moment to honor Howard Kunreuther’s enduring dedication to disaster resilience and his lasting influence on the field. Through this examination, we delve into the world of social norms, behavioral nudges, and the unending pursuit of safer and more resilient  … More Disaster preparedness: Will a “norm nudge” sink or swim?

Meta-Nudging: Putting collective momentum into behaviour change

August 2, 2022

What happens when a behavioural nudge is removed? How can the momentum be maintained? Is it a “one and done” situation or will behaviour revert? Eugen Dimant, and Shaul Shalvi argue for “meta-nudging” – tapping into influencers in existing social contexts to delegate the policing of new norms. In situations where dishonesty can be individually beneficial but collectively harmful then nudging influencers could play an important part in successful change. The meta-nudge could be a useful complement to “classic” nudge … More Meta-Nudging: Putting collective momentum into behaviour change