Mammalian brain · Social Drives & Status
In-Group / Out-Group
Even arbitrary group boundaries produce favouritism toward 'us' and suspicion of 'them'; persuaders draw the line so that agreement means belonging and dissent means betrayal.
An everyday example
A pitch that opens with 'we builders' versus 'the suits', so that objecting feels like switching sides.
What it can cost you
Evaluating options by team rather than by merit; polarising on cue.
Warning signs
- Disagreeing would feel like betrayal.
- I like this because of who it is against.
One thing to do
Name the line being drawn and who drew it; then judge the option as if no groups were involved.
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