Is the purpose of prison to punish or to reform? John D. Sutter highlights a controversial Norwegian prison that doesn’t feel like a prison at all—because its aim is not taking away freedom but instead creating good neighbors.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
Relationships Are More Important than Ambition
Imagine your classmates twenty years from now: Who will be happier—the friend who becomes a high-powered entrepreneur with a car to match, or the friend who chooses a modest lifestyle with time for friends and family? Learn why some people are more ambitious than others and whether ambition can make them happy.
The Orchestra Playing for Peace
The World Orchestra for Peace brings together the best musicians from around the world to play in the spirit of peace and unity, even if that means the musicians are from warring countries. Learn about this remarkable group, and watch a video of its performance in Jerusalem.
The U.S. Constitution Needs You
September 17 of every year is observed as Constitution Day. However, not many Americans have read the important document that outlines our freedoms. Read this article to find out how to make the Constitution relevant to your life.
To Gossip or Not to Gossip: That Is the Question
Some recent studies have shown that human beings are actually hard-wired to gossip, and that gossip serves a social function in helping us bond with others. But do the negative consequences of gossip outweigh the positive ones?
Are we in control of our own decisions?
When you decide to buy something, are you sure it’s a good choice? Watch Dan Ariely explain how we may not be as in control of our own decisions as we think.
Flag Burning and Free Speech
The First Amendment protects, among other rights, the freedom of speech. In this opinion piece, UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh delves into what the Founders meant by the term “speech.”
10,000 Year Clock
Look 10,000 years into the past, and you’ll see humans beginning to cultivate the earliest agricultural crops. What changes would a look 10,000 years into the future reveal? For Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, the distant future will include a functioning clock, being built now in the desert of West Texas.
Why Taking Breaks Will Help You Get More Work Done
Through this quick animation, discover why breaking up your work will make you more productive. Be sure to try out some of the tips for yourself!
Indian Country Diaries: Pow Wow Culture
Pow wows are events in which Native Americans can express their cultural heritage through dance and foster a sense of community. Traditional pow wows have been around for hundreds of years, but a newer kind of intertribal event has become popular recently. Read about how the two forms coexist in today’s pow wow culture.
A 13-year-old eagle huntress in Mongolia
Using golden eagles to hunt is an ancient tradition in the Altai mountains of Mongolia. Meet Ashol-Pan, who might be the only girl learning this challenging skill.
The Perfect Statement On Holiday Consumerism: A $500 Cardboard Box
A recycled cardboard box for Christmas? Ad agencies created this gift which they say will stimulate creativity but also help raise funds for two charitable causes. Read about it here.
Wheat People vs. Rice People
Anthropologist T.M. Luhrmann analyzes the independence and interdependence displayed in different cultures.
Activist climbs a mountain to raise funds for youth peace center in Chicago
Activist Ja’Mal Green raises funds for nonprofit Majostee Allstars, which is converting an old bank building in the Aubrun Gresham neighborhood of Chicago into a community center.
How Praise Became a Consolation Prize
Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck discusses the latest version of her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, in which she futher explains the concept of growth mindset.
Most Millennials Are Finding It Hard to Transition Into Adulthood: Report
This article points out that members of the millennial generation face a number of challenges as they adjust to life as adults in “the real world.”
No, Where Are You Really From?
Click this link to read and hear about some of the experiences Americans have had when questioned about their cultural backgrounds and identities.
Effects of the Black Death
The bubonic plague ravaged the European population in the 14th century. In its aftermath, societal structures were upended, in many cases for the better.
The Kindness of Strangers
A psychology professor tries to get to the bottom of why we do good things for others, even when these acts don’t seem to benefit us directly.
We use big data to sentence criminals. But can the algorithms really tell us what we need to know?
You might be surprised to learn that computer programs are used to help determine the length of a prison sentence. The question is whether that’s a good idea.