The Life and Times of Franz Boas
The founder of cultural anthropology, Franz Boas challenged the reigning notions of race and culture.
How to Sell Climate Denial
Climategate began with the leaking of emails sent to and from climate scientists. Climate skeptics quickly seized on just a few of them
The Decline of the Vegas Wedding
The Little White Wedding Chapel's changing fortunes are emblematic of the state of matrimony and romance.
The Weird Psychological Theory behind Gym Class
The initial promoters of gym class believed that a child’s mind would “remember” evolutionary phases through the stimulation of muscle tissue.
The Offensive Joke Trap
The audience for a joke has options. They can “support” a joke—for example by laughing at it—or they can respond with “unlaughter."
Nobody Really Knows Why We Dream
An extensive literature review reveals a startling lack of consensus around why we dream, though neurologists have made important discoveries.
Sigmund Freud’s The Ego and the Id
Freud died 80 years ago this week. In this "Virtual Roundtable," three scholars debate the legacy of his 1923 text.
Why Everyone Doesn’t Value Choice to the Same Degree
Studies show that college-educated white Americans value having choice -- and yet having too much choice can paralyze and lead to dissatisfaction.
What Is the #KuToo Movement?
Japanese women are protesting the widespread policy of mandatory high heels at work.
Why We Pay To Do Stuff Ourselves
Why do people love IKEA furniture, cake mixes, and apple-picking? Psychology.