As the summer begins to wind down, it has been made clear that human behavior is influenced directly and indirectly by the relational frames that people arbitrarily form throughout their life. Context means everything. While this is verifiable in a lab it is also clearly observable in everyday life. While interesting, understanding how and why people behave in certain ways really only becomes important when we can find a way to use this knowledge to look forward, rather than to just look backward. To do this, it is important to firstly identify the issues that arise on a cultural level because of arbitrarily formed relations, then to develop ways to combat harmful frames.
Dixon and colleagues show how relational frames are formed following 9/11 that stigmatize populations and the event (Dixon et al. 2006). The formation of such stigmas is particularly dangerous and damaging for under-privileged and minority groups. We also can see how these frames play out in politics; a potential avenue for addressing and breaking down the stigmatization of such groups. Language is intricately tied to the very nature of politics and, to make positive progress, those engaged in politics must be aware of the language they use. This is both to avoid stigmatizing minority groups through micro-aggressions that can arise in speech, but from a place of power are threatening, and through using language that brings people together rather than instilling fear. While an “us-them” narrative can be effective in accessing power, a “we” narrative is better for binding people together. From a position of power, the government has the ability to both ensure peoples personal freedom and liberty in ways that can benefit. Through the concept of libertarian paternalism, the government can affect the kinds of choices that people are capable of making, in a way that they can still act according to their own values (Henderson, 2014). By utilizing this concept, politicians can use policy to nudge people towards inclusion and understanding in ways that benefit all citizens. It is the responsibility of those in power to create situations wherein minority groups and those who are historically disadvantaged are capable of both being understood by the majority as unique individuals with rights and are capable of holding positions of power. We must instill a sense of autonomy and control over people’s lives in order to reduce stigma and to raise the quality of life and well-being of the entire population, not only the few.
Citations:
Dixon, M., Rehfeldt, A., Zlomke, K., Robinson, A. (2006). Exploring the Development and Dismantling of Equivalence Classes Involving Terrorist Stimuli. The Psychological Record, 2006, 56, 83-103.
Henderson, D. (2014). Libertarian Paternalism: Leviathan in Sheep’s Clothing? Springer Science + Business Media New York.
