Recent advances in the human and behavioural sciences have challenged many assumptions concerning human behaviour, such as rational choice theory, that underpin various policies intended to achieve characteristic behavioural outcomes. Much research designed to provide behavioural insights into policymaking relies on the identification of socio-demographic variables that exercise an influence on behaviour and that are subsequently targeted in policymaking. By contrast, little research to date has explored the influence of cultural mentalities on behaviour and the role these may serve in designing smart policy that caters to the behaviours of ordinary citizens.
This workshop will discuss the merits of cultural indicators in social research alongside traditional socio-demographic predictors. Cultural indicators provide an insight into the cultural frameworks and mentalities that particular individuals and populations subscribe to and that may, in part, determine their behavioural responses to characteristic events. Consequently, the task of designing policy that is congruent with human behavioural tendencies may be facilitated by tapping into cultural mentalities that shape individuals’ outlooks of the world around them.
The workshop will discuss a presentation by Prof Sergio Salvatore, Universita del Salento, concerning evidence from the Re.Cri.Re project (H2020 grant agreement: 649436; recrire.eu). Re.Cri.Re adopted a ‘Views of Context’ measure in the study of various behavioural domains including immigration, homosexuality, political participation, health and Brexit. Scholars with an interest in policymaking, behavioural science, cultural determinants of behaviour, and similar areas of inquiry are invited to attend. To register, please send an email to gordon.sammut@um.edu.mt.
Date: Wednesday, 29 November 2017
Time: 09:00 – 13:00
Venue: Room 414, Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences (MaKS414)