Lecture 4 Altruism // close relationships

This week, we are looking at two separate but related topics - altruism and close relationship. With regard to altruism, we are often told that people are out to look for their self-interest, yet we can witness (apparently) self-less helping everyday. We will consider why that is, and how altruistic (or “pro-social”) behaviour can be promoted.

Additionally, starting from the fact that (positive) close relationships have been shown to provide a huge boost to health and well-being, we will consider how they emerge. As part of that, we will consider how people select their (potential) romantic partners and discuss the broader social consequences of individual preferences.

4.1 Video lecture for this week

This week’s lecture is split into four parts, that you should watch in order. In between, there are a couple of questions and tasks that will allow you to reflect on the content and explore the topic further. Make sure to answer the content questions before you move on - when you do the extension activites is obviously up to you.

You can download the lecture slides here

4.1.1 Self-interest and altruism

Before you move on, take a moment to reflect on the content of the video and answer the following questions:

  • How would you use evolutionary, social exchange and empathy-based explanations of prosocial behaviour to explain in-group bias, i.e. the fact that people provide more help to members of their own social groups?
  • What is known as the bystander effect? (Note that all statements are true.)

I would also encourage you to experiment with the impact of prosocial thoughts and behaviours on your own well-being. Usually, I would focus on getting you to perform random acts of kindness, but in Covid-times, loving-kindness meditation is an alternative that is contact-free. Have a look at the following and decide when you want to give either a go:

4.1.2 Predictors of liking and attraction

Before you move on, take a moment to reflect on the content of the video and answer the following questions:

  • What is homophily?
  • Which of the following might explain why we like music better when we have heard it before?

4.1.3 Beauty - Myths & Debates

Before you move on, take a moment to reflect on the content of the video and answer the following questions:

  • Think about the possible explanations for why we care about beauty: evolutionary processes, meaningful signals about personality, cues of conformity. Which do you think most explains your preferences? Which is most relevant across society?
  • Have a look at Dove’s #MyBeautyMySay ad on Youtube. How does that relate to what I said about beauty? Why would a brand advertise like that? What is your personal reaction to the ad?

4.1.4 Maintaining close relationships

Before you move on, take a moment to reflect on the content of the video and answer the following questions:

  • How would you explain the findings that social connections - and especially stable romantic relationships - are associated with sharply reduced mortality? If you want to find out more about that, you can have a look at this article on the brilliant Behind the headlines site created by the NHS that explains the science behind headlines
  • What are the key elements of love, according to Sternberg’s triangular theory?