How The Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together: An Interview about Tribalism with Michael Morris

Issue 141: Why Tribalism is not always a cause of division

In a world increasingly divided by politics, culture, and identity, understanding human tribalism—and how cultural instincts shape our behavior—has never been more relevant. In his new book Tribal: How The Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together, Columbia professor and cultural psychologist Michael Morris reveals that our tribal instincts, often blamed for polarization and conflict, are actually the key to cooperation and solidarity. By rethinking tribalism not as the cause of division, but as a set of evolved social tendencies, Michael offers a roadmap for harnessing the science of human behavior to create positive change in our communities, workplaces, and beyond.

Michael explains that tribal instincts are adaptive systems that help us navigate the complexities of modern life, from the workplace to the political arena. He adds that current narrative of “toxic tribalism” that is blamed for division and conflict in society oversimplifies the nature of group dynamic…