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Why We Act: Turning Bystanders into Moral Rebels
Why do good people so often do nothing when a seemingly small action could make a big difference? A pioneering social psychologist explains why moral courage is so rare--and reveals how it can be triggered or trained.
We are bombarded every day by reports of bad behavior, from sexual harassment to political corruption and bullying belligerence. It's tempting to blame evil acts on evil people, but that leaves the rest us off the hook. Silence, after all, can perpetuate cruelty. Why We Act draws on the latest developments in psychology and neuroscience to tackle an urgent question: Why do so many of us fail to intervene when we're needed--and what would it take to make us step up?
A renowned psychologist who has done pioneering research on social norms, Catherine Sanderson was inspired to write this book when a freshman in her son's dorm died twenty hours after a bad fall while drinking. There were many points along the way when a decision to seek help could have saved his life. Why did no one act sooner?
Cutting-edge neuroscience offers part of the answer, showing how deviating from the group activates the same receptors in the brain that are triggered by pain. But Sanderson also points to many ways in which our faulty assumptions about what other people are thinking can paralyze us. And she shares surprisingly effective and simple strategies for resisting the pressure to conform. Moral courage, it turns out, is not innate. Small details and the right training can make a big difference. Inspiring and potentially life transforming, Why We Act reveals that while the urge to do nothing is deeply ingrained, even the most hesitant would-be bystander can learn to be a moral rebel.
We are bombarded every day by reports of bad behavior, from sexual harassment to political corruption and bullying belligerence. It's tempting to blame evil acts on evil people, but that leaves the rest us off the hook. Silence, after all, can perpetuate cruelty. Why We Act draws on the latest developments in psychology and neuroscience to tackle an urgent question: Why do so many of us fail to intervene when we're needed--and what would it take to make us step up?
A renowned psychologist who has done pioneering research on social norms, Catherine Sanderson was inspired to write this book when a freshman in her son's dorm died twenty hours after a bad fall while drinking. There were many points along the way when a decision to seek help could have saved his life. Why did no one act sooner?
Cutting-edge neuroscience offers part of the answer, showing how deviating from the group activates the same receptors in the brain that are triggered by pain. But Sanderson also points to many ways in which our faulty assumptions about what other people are thinking can paralyze us. And she shares surprisingly effective and simple strategies for resisting the pressure to conform. Moral courage, it turns out, is not innate. Small details and the right training can make a big difference. Inspiring and potentially life transforming, Why We Act reveals that while the urge to do nothing is deeply ingrained, even the most hesitant would-be bystander can learn to be a moral rebel.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2020
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April 14, 2020
In summary: A very important topic handled quite clumsily.
I loved the message of this book: when you see something wrong, say something right.
The topic of this book is fascinating. Utterly fascinating. Reading the book led me to reflect personally on a very deep level - both about my actions and the actions of others in situations where I’ve been present. From bullies in school and the workplace to incidents that happen in the streets. It made me think about those times where I have acted and stood up for what I feel is right, it made me think of times where I was in need of help and the reactions of others, and it made me think of times where I have failed to act. In this sense, it was a powerful read and effective in its goal (to encourage people to reflect on why they may or may not act and encourage them to react and not be a bystander in the future).
I also found myself deeply inspired by the encouragement of the author to act, and I have thought a lot about how I might nurture the qualities she identifies as being crucial in moral rebels so that when I find myself in a situation where I wonder how to act, I can do so without hesitation. The latter two sections where this was discussed were my favourite part of the book, in fact.
However, my reading of the book was continually stilted by my problems with the research (the methods, ethics etc) and mostly, my problems with the way the research was presented (over-generalising, leaping to conclusions). So it is a difficult book to review from that point of view.
Let me speak to some of these issues.
In much of her analysis, the author fails to take into account wider social dynamics at play. For example, in one cited example she drew the conclusion that women did not speak up to challenge men saying sexist remarks because they were worried about misreading the situation... completely ignoring hegemonic masculinity. On another occasion, she claims that a group of female college students were diverted from disordered eating as a result of a leaflet which challenged the idea that all women are thinner, working out more and eating less. She says, of those who her intervention was ineffective with, that they were influenced by media depictions of body image, rather than that of her peers… completely misunderstanding what is the cause of eating disorders for many people (which is that it’s more about control). This ignorance to the wider picture, and ignorance of certain topics, was glaringly obvious and difficult to overlook.
The author also jumps to make conclusions on many occasions. These conclusions are not based on any science she refers to. For instance, she claims that a Black boy who stood up against a fraternity of White boys to call the police in a dangerous situation did so partly because his identity as the only Black man present made him feel “other” in a way that negated his need to fit into social norms. This is not based on any testimony from the Black boy. As a White woman, I don’t feel she is qualified to suggest such a conclusion or to place meaning on that boy’s feelings or experiences. It feels, to me, like drawing such a conclusion is inappropriate.
The author does this on several occasions, to the point where you do want to sit down and get her to have a think about how her biases are infringing on her research findings. It is clear that the author’s bias influences the conclusions she reaches, many of which feel misjudged and inappropriate.
Speaking of research methods, I did find myself questioning the ethics involved in many of the cited studies. For example, the amount of information which was shared with participants prior to participation consent being sought (and how appropriate it is to hoodwink research participants), the level of distress that may have been experienced by participants and the aftercare for participants. Although, perhaps, this is out with the scope of this book… I feel it is only good practice to properly deal with such issues.
I also found myself sometimes questioning the actual research methods. For example, the claim that a leaflet being handed out to college students had such a drastic impact on them that they no longer experienced body dysmorphia or disordered eating. Again, it feels like the author is unaware of the wider social dynamics that are at play and possibly unable to see what other things may have had an impact on the participants of her research. No research takes place in a silo and it feels misguided, to me, for the researcher to suggest that there was a causal effect between a leaflet and the prevention of a serious mental illness.
In conclusion, this is a fascinating topic and one I haven’t explicitly read about before. I would read more on it. As someone who loves personal development, I am also extremely grateful for the growth that took place within me while I was reading the book. Unfortunately, I couldn’t look beyond some of the issues I’ve outlined and so I’ve rated this book three stars (I liked it but didn’t love it/it had flaws).
If you’re looking for an introductory level text, this could be a good one. However, if you’re interested in a highly technical and insightful analysis of the phenomenon of “The Bystander Effect”, I think you might prefer to skip on this book as the presentation of research may frustrate you.
Content warnings: there are all kind of topics covered in this book that readers may find upsetting. From serious sexual assault and violence to warfare. Most of these topics are simply referred to and not discussed at great length. However, the book does deal with many difficult issues as it talks about how some people stand by in situations where moral action is needed.
I loved the message of this book: when you see something wrong, say something right.
The topic of this book is fascinating. Utterly fascinating. Reading the book led me to reflect personally on a very deep level - both about my actions and the actions of others in situations where I’ve been present. From bullies in school and the workplace to incidents that happen in the streets. It made me think about those times where I have acted and stood up for what I feel is right, it made me think of times where I was in need of help and the reactions of others, and it made me think of times where I have failed to act. In this sense, it was a powerful read and effective in its goal (to encourage people to reflect on why they may or may not act and encourage them to react and not be a bystander in the future).
I also found myself deeply inspired by the encouragement of the author to act, and I have thought a lot about how I might nurture the qualities she identifies as being crucial in moral rebels so that when I find myself in a situation where I wonder how to act, I can do so without hesitation. The latter two sections where this was discussed were my favourite part of the book, in fact.
However, my reading of the book was continually stilted by my problems with the research (the methods, ethics etc) and mostly, my problems with the way the research was presented (over-generalising, leaping to conclusions). So it is a difficult book to review from that point of view.
Let me speak to some of these issues.
In much of her analysis, the author fails to take into account wider social dynamics at play. For example, in one cited example she drew the conclusion that women did not speak up to challenge men saying sexist remarks because they were worried about misreading the situation... completely ignoring hegemonic masculinity. On another occasion, she claims that a group of female college students were diverted from disordered eating as a result of a leaflet which challenged the idea that all women are thinner, working out more and eating less. She says, of those who her intervention was ineffective with, that they were influenced by media depictions of body image, rather than that of her peers… completely misunderstanding what is the cause of eating disorders for many people (which is that it’s more about control). This ignorance to the wider picture, and ignorance of certain topics, was glaringly obvious and difficult to overlook.
The author also jumps to make conclusions on many occasions. These conclusions are not based on any science she refers to. For instance, she claims that a Black boy who stood up against a fraternity of White boys to call the police in a dangerous situation did so partly because his identity as the only Black man present made him feel “other” in a way that negated his need to fit into social norms. This is not based on any testimony from the Black boy. As a White woman, I don’t feel she is qualified to suggest such a conclusion or to place meaning on that boy’s feelings or experiences. It feels, to me, like drawing such a conclusion is inappropriate.
The author does this on several occasions, to the point where you do want to sit down and get her to have a think about how her biases are infringing on her research findings. It is clear that the author’s bias influences the conclusions she reaches, many of which feel misjudged and inappropriate.
Speaking of research methods, I did find myself questioning the ethics involved in many of the cited studies. For example, the amount of information which was shared with participants prior to participation consent being sought (and how appropriate it is to hoodwink research participants), the level of distress that may have been experienced by participants and the aftercare for participants. Although, perhaps, this is out with the scope of this book… I feel it is only good practice to properly deal with such issues.
I also found myself sometimes questioning the actual research methods. For example, the claim that a leaflet being handed out to college students had such a drastic impact on them that they no longer experienced body dysmorphia or disordered eating. Again, it feels like the author is unaware of the wider social dynamics that are at play and possibly unable to see what other things may have had an impact on the participants of her research. No research takes place in a silo and it feels misguided, to me, for the researcher to suggest that there was a causal effect between a leaflet and the prevention of a serious mental illness.
In conclusion, this is a fascinating topic and one I haven’t explicitly read about before. I would read more on it. As someone who loves personal development, I am also extremely grateful for the growth that took place within me while I was reading the book. Unfortunately, I couldn’t look beyond some of the issues I’ve outlined and so I’ve rated this book three stars (I liked it but didn’t love it/it had flaws).
If you’re looking for an introductory level text, this could be a good one. However, if you’re interested in a highly technical and insightful analysis of the phenomenon of “The Bystander Effect”, I think you might prefer to skip on this book as the presentation of research may frustrate you.
Content warnings: there are all kind of topics covered in this book that readers may find upsetting. From serious sexual assault and violence to warfare. Most of these topics are simply referred to and not discussed at great length. However, the book does deal with many difficult issues as it talks about how some people stand by in situations where moral action is needed.
March 12, 2020
This was a really interesting non fiction book about bystander effect.
As a psychology student, I was very aware of the majority of the students mentioned in this book. There were only a few I wasn't familiar with but if you have never studied psychology before, I reckon you could learn a lot about this book.
The bystander effect is traditionally a social psychology phenomenon. However, I did like the author combined studies which take a interdisciplinary approach, I think that is important.
I do wish there was more evaluation in this book. For example, if you mention the prison study by Zimbardo then, its probably good to mention the BBC prison study which criticised the original study and found a different set of findings or the fact that even Asch himself, argued that group pressure was not enough to override individual rationally, in this conformity study.
However, I get the book is trying to make a point and the author has their own personal biases, being a student of Zimbardo. So, it's worth keeping that in mind, if you want to approach this book with a more critical eye.
I like how the research was applied to real life settings like school, the work place and college. However, it did feel repetitive at times. There is only so many times I can hear about fraternity parties gone wrong
If you've never studied psychology I think you'll find this interesting but if you already have a background in psychology, this will probably be like rereading your textbooks
As a psychology student, I was very aware of the majority of the students mentioned in this book. There were only a few I wasn't familiar with but if you have never studied psychology before, I reckon you could learn a lot about this book.
The bystander effect is traditionally a social psychology phenomenon. However, I did like the author combined studies which take a interdisciplinary approach, I think that is important.
I do wish there was more evaluation in this book. For example, if you mention the prison study by Zimbardo then, its probably good to mention the BBC prison study which criticised the original study and found a different set of findings or the fact that even Asch himself, argued that group pressure was not enough to override individual rationally, in this conformity study.
However, I get the book is trying to make a point and the author has their own personal biases, being a student of Zimbardo. So, it's worth keeping that in mind, if you want to approach this book with a more critical eye.
I like how the research was applied to real life settings like school, the work place and college. However, it did feel repetitive at times. There is only so many times I can hear about fraternity parties gone wrong
If you've never studied psychology I think you'll find this interesting but if you already have a background in psychology, this will probably be like rereading your textbooks
August 28, 2021
مخاطر القطيع
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كطالب دراسات عليا في جامعة برينستون ، كان لدي عمل رائع بدوام جزئي أعيش في صالة إقامة وأقدم الدعم للمساعدين المقيمين الصغار والكبار. تضمنت الوظيفة تناول بعض الوجبات مع الطلاب في قاعة الطعام ، وتسهيل الأحداث الاجتماعية على مستوى المسكن ، ومساعدة الطلاب على التعامل مع الاهتمامات الأكاديمية والشخصية. ومع ذلك ، كان هناك جانب سلبي خطير: في إحدى الأمسيات من كل عام ، طُلب مني أن أكون "شخصًا داعمًا" في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية العارية!!
بدأت الألعاب الأولمبية العارية في أوائل السبعينيات وكانت تقليدًا غير رسمي راسخ حتى عام 1999 ، عندما تم حظرها من قبل مجلس الأمناء. كان الطلاب ، رجالًا ونساءً ، يركضون حول الحرم الجامعي في منتصف الليل بمناسبة أول تساقط للثلوج كل عام ، والذي حدث عادةً في يناير ، مرتدين فقط أحذية الركض والقبعات والقفازات. كما قد تتخيل ، يشرب المشاركون عادةً كميات كبيرة من الكحول في الساعات التي تسبق الجري ، لمساعدتهم على تحمل درجات الحرارة المتجمدة والإحراج الكبير الملازم للركض عارياً أمام زملائهم في الفصل.
كان دوري هو الوقوف في فناء إحدى الكليات مرتدية سترة عاكسة وحمل حقيبة إسعافات أولية ، حتى يتمكن أي طالب واجه مشكلة - مثل السقوط على الجليد - من العثور علي. بينما كنت أقف هناك كل عام ، آمل بشدة أن أتمكن من إنهاء رسالتي ومغادرة برينستون قبل الأولمبياد العاري القادم ، ظللت أفكر في نفسي : "هؤلاء الطلاب هم من أفضل وأذكى الطلاب في أمريكا. لماذا يفعلون هذا؟ " لا يبدو الركض في حالة سكر وعاريًا عند منتصف الليل في الثلج مجرد فكرة رائعة."
لكن هذه القصة توضح اكتشافًا أساسيًا في علم النفس: سيقوم الناس - في بيئة جماعية - بأشياء لن يفعلوها أبدًا بمفردهم. على الرغم من أن الألعاب الأولمبية العارية كانت غير ضارة في الغالب ، إلا أن نفس المبدأ ينطبق على الحالات التي يتصرف فيها الناس بشكل سيء حقًا. الأمثلة على السلوك السيئ في إعدادات المجموعة وفيرة:
_ في فبراير 2010 ، وقف ديلان جيفورد يونت على حافة الطابق الرابع لمبنى تجاري في سان فرانسيسكو حيث تجمع حشد كبير أدناه. كثير من الناس سخروا منه ، وكانوا يصرخون "اقفز!" و "فقط افعلها بالفعل." بعد خمس وأربعين دقيقة ، قفز ومات.
_ خلال احتفالات ليلة رأس السنة الجديدة 2015-2016 في مدينة كولونيا بألمانيا ، اعتدت حشود كبيرة من الرجال جنسيًا على ما يقدر بنحو 1200 امرأة.
_ في شباط (فبراير) 2018 ، كسرَ المشجعون - الذين احتفلوا بفوز فيلادلفيا إيجلز سوبر بول - السيارات ، وأزالوا أعمدة الشوارع من الأرض ، وأشعلوا الحرائق ، وحطموا نوافذ المتاجر ، مما تسبب في أضرار بقيمة 273 ألف دولار.
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Catherine Sanderson
Why We Act
Translated By #Maher_Razouk
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كطالب دراسات عليا في جامعة برينستون ، كان لدي عمل رائع بدوام جزئي أعيش في صالة إقامة وأقدم الدعم للمساعدين المقيمين الصغار والكبار. تضمنت الوظيفة تناول بعض الوجبات مع الطلاب في قاعة الطعام ، وتسهيل الأحداث الاجتماعية على مستوى المسكن ، ومساعدة الطلاب على التعامل مع الاهتمامات الأكاديمية والشخصية. ومع ذلك ، كان هناك جانب سلبي خطير: في إحدى الأمسيات من كل عام ، طُلب مني أن أكون "شخصًا داعمًا" في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية العارية!!
بدأت الألعاب الأولمبية العارية في أوائل السبعينيات وكانت تقليدًا غير رسمي راسخ حتى عام 1999 ، عندما تم حظرها من قبل مجلس الأمناء. كان الطلاب ، رجالًا ونساءً ، يركضون حول الحرم الجامعي في منتصف الليل بمناسبة أول تساقط للثلوج كل عام ، والذي حدث عادةً في يناير ، مرتدين فقط أحذية الركض والقبعات والقفازات. كما قد تتخيل ، يشرب المشاركون عادةً كميات كبيرة من الكحول في الساعات التي تسبق الجري ، لمساعدتهم على تحمل درجات الحرارة المتجمدة والإحراج الكبير الملازم للركض عارياً أمام زملائهم في الفصل.
كان دوري هو الوقوف في فناء إحدى الكليات مرتدية سترة عاكسة وحمل حقيبة إسعافات أولية ، حتى يتمكن أي طالب واجه مشكلة - مثل السقوط على الجليد - من العثور علي. بينما كنت أقف هناك كل عام ، آمل بشدة أن أتمكن من إنهاء رسالتي ومغادرة برينستون قبل الأولمبياد العاري القادم ، ظللت أفكر في نفسي : "هؤلاء الطلاب هم من أفضل وأذكى الطلاب في أمريكا. لماذا يفعلون هذا؟ " لا يبدو الركض في حالة سكر وعاريًا عند منتصف الليل في الثلج مجرد فكرة رائعة."
لكن هذه القصة توضح اكتشافًا أساسيًا في علم النفس: سيقوم الناس - في بيئة جماعية - بأشياء لن يفعلوها أبدًا بمفردهم. على الرغم من أن الألعاب الأولمبية العارية كانت غير ضارة في الغالب ، إلا أن نفس المبدأ ينطبق على الحالات التي يتصرف فيها الناس بشكل سيء حقًا. الأمثلة على السلوك السيئ في إعدادات المجموعة وفيرة:
_ في فبراير 2010 ، وقف ديلان جيفورد يونت على حافة الطابق الرابع لمبنى تجاري في سان فرانسيسكو حيث تجمع حشد كبير أدناه. كثير من الناس سخروا منه ، وكانوا يصرخون "اقفز!" و "فقط افعلها بالفعل." بعد خمس وأربعين دقيقة ، قفز ومات.
_ خلال احتفالات ليلة رأس السنة الجديدة 2015-2016 في مدينة كولونيا بألمانيا ، اعتدت حشود كبيرة من الرجال جنسيًا على ما يقدر بنحو 1200 امرأة.
_ في شباط (فبراير) 2018 ، كسرَ المشجعون - الذين احتفلوا بفوز فيلادلفيا إيجلز سوبر بول - السيارات ، وأزالوا أعمدة الشوارع من الأرض ، وأشعلوا الحرائق ، وحطموا نوافذ المتاجر ، مما تسبب في أضرار بقيمة 273 ألف دولار.
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Catherine Sanderson
Why We Act
Translated By #Maher_Razouk
May 31, 2020
be good at recognising bad behaviour but bad at taking action against it? Pioneering psychologist Catherine Sanderson considers this in The Bystander Effect. She takes real-life examples, neuroscience and some of the classics behavioural studies on humans as well as the latest psychological studies to understand why we do this.
The consequences and risks of getting involved in disputes for a lot of people outweigh the benefits. Whilst the risk is low, tragedies do happen; Rick Best, who confronted a man who was shouting racist slurs at two Muslim women got stabbed for his efforts and died shortly after. With this in mind, Sanderson considers people that do intervene on a professional level, i.e. emergency services personnel and looks at the skills those people have. From that, she proposes practical strategies to apply to change the way that we react, by intervening or even just speaking out, to an unfolding situation.
I thought that it was a very interesting discussion of the realities of why some people help and good analysis as to why others really do not want to get involved. She has some very sensible policies that really need to be implemented in schools, partly because of bullying that can dominate a child’s life, but also because skills learnt there can have the biggest long term effect on people’s behaviour and reactions in life. Empathy needs to be taught too. I did think that is was very American centric which surprised me as the author is British!
The consequences and risks of getting involved in disputes for a lot of people outweigh the benefits. Whilst the risk is low, tragedies do happen; Rick Best, who confronted a man who was shouting racist slurs at two Muslim women got stabbed for his efforts and died shortly after. With this in mind, Sanderson considers people that do intervene on a professional level, i.e. emergency services personnel and looks at the skills those people have. From that, she proposes practical strategies to apply to change the way that we react, by intervening or even just speaking out, to an unfolding situation.
I thought that it was a very interesting discussion of the realities of why some people help and good analysis as to why others really do not want to get involved. She has some very sensible policies that really need to be implemented in schools, partly because of bullying that can dominate a child’s life, but also because skills learnt there can have the biggest long term effect on people’s behaviour and reactions in life. Empathy needs to be taught too. I did think that is was very American centric which surprised me as the author is British!
August 14, 2024
This just annoyed me mostly. V little insight without saying anything particularly new.
Just cites way too many random experiments without any serious thought of the wider socio-political structures- if this is how social psychology works then what a bunch of cowboys - 8 guys did X this one time in an experiment in 1982 now here's a Grand Conclusion.
Just cites way too many random experiments without any serious thought of the wider socio-political structures- if this is how social psychology works then what a bunch of cowboys - 8 guys did X this one time in an experiment in 1982 now here's a Grand Conclusion.
March 7, 2020
Having recently read Chanel Miller’s Know My Name and been shocked, angered and disgusted by Brock Turner, the man convicted of assaulting her, reading this helped me to understand the motivation, actions and emotional response of the two Swedish students who stopped the attacker and helped her.
This reads as a well researched piece of academic writing within the non-fiction genre; it is both interesting and informative and its written in a way that is accessible and feels very current. The author makes multiple references to well known events in both the US and the UK and she draws on recent academic studies from many Western universities.
By making reference to so many examples within common culture (the Brock Turner/Stanford Rape incident, the murder of Jamie Bulger, the conviction of Larry Nassar, the USA gymnastics coach etc) this book feels very relevant and necessary, not only to help us understand the wrongs already done, but in helping us to understand what we can do as moral rebels; to intervene and stop harm from happening in these ways again, rather than being a passive bystander who witnesses, but does nothing. It offers an explanation to why witnesses witnessed, but did not intervene and provides the reader with opportunities to reflect on the difference between good intentions and effective intervention.
I found the book empowering, inspiring and encouraging. I’d like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review The Bystander Effect in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This reads as a well researched piece of academic writing within the non-fiction genre; it is both interesting and informative and its written in a way that is accessible and feels very current. The author makes multiple references to well known events in both the US and the UK and she draws on recent academic studies from many Western universities.
By making reference to so many examples within common culture (the Brock Turner/Stanford Rape incident, the murder of Jamie Bulger, the conviction of Larry Nassar, the USA gymnastics coach etc) this book feels very relevant and necessary, not only to help us understand the wrongs already done, but in helping us to understand what we can do as moral rebels; to intervene and stop harm from happening in these ways again, rather than being a passive bystander who witnesses, but does nothing. It offers an explanation to why witnesses witnessed, but did not intervene and provides the reader with opportunities to reflect on the difference between good intentions and effective intervention.
I found the book empowering, inspiring and encouraging. I’d like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review The Bystander Effect in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 9, 2020
an utterly fascinating look into the realm of moral courage, catherine sanderson's why we act delves into the science of social psychology to understand what compels (or doesn't) individuals and groups to act in times of crisis or need. exploring bullying, sexual harassment, workplace ethics, and more, sanderson highlights group dynamics, the bystander effect, and individual costs as reasons so many otherwise "good" people do nothing in moments of urgency or danger. an engaging read, if not an indictment of inaction and moral culpability.
January 12, 2021
“Many of us stay silent in the face of bad behaviour because we believe that one person speaking up can’t really make a difference.”
.
The ‘bystander effect’ concept is not new. It dates back to the 1964 famous murder of Kitty Genovese. Genovese was stabbed to death near her apartment building in New York. According to several reports, there were onlookers who did not take any action. Like many, I find this bizarre, as I would like to think that we’d be there for each other in times of need and I would hope that if I were in a similar situation, onlookers would try to help (even if it is from the distance by making a telephone call to the emergency services). This type of inaction is common according to Sanderson. Throughout history, we have witnessed real life examples of ‘bad’ or immoral behaviour - whether it be sexual harassment, political corruption, negligence or bullying in the playground. Our silence perpetuates violence and cruelty, yet many of us choose to remain silent. We aren’t bad human beings, but our silence is violence. The good news is that we can work to foster empathy by understanding each other’s cultures and beliefs which means that we’re likely to step up and help if someone is in trouble.
Sanderson uses real life examples, case studies (including neuroscience and psychological studies) to provide reasoning behind why human beings are indeed good at spotting bad behaviour, but bad at taking action. She also provides practical solutions to readers on how we can learn to speak out and intervene and ultimately become braver in the process. It’s worth noting that she provides an extensive reference section at the back to refer to the cases mentioned throughout the book.
We can all make a difference.
.
The ‘bystander effect’ concept is not new. It dates back to the 1964 famous murder of Kitty Genovese. Genovese was stabbed to death near her apartment building in New York. According to several reports, there were onlookers who did not take any action. Like many, I find this bizarre, as I would like to think that we’d be there for each other in times of need and I would hope that if I were in a similar situation, onlookers would try to help (even if it is from the distance by making a telephone call to the emergency services). This type of inaction is common according to Sanderson. Throughout history, we have witnessed real life examples of ‘bad’ or immoral behaviour - whether it be sexual harassment, political corruption, negligence or bullying in the playground. Our silence perpetuates violence and cruelty, yet many of us choose to remain silent. We aren’t bad human beings, but our silence is violence. The good news is that we can work to foster empathy by understanding each other’s cultures and beliefs which means that we’re likely to step up and help if someone is in trouble.
Sanderson uses real life examples, case studies (including neuroscience and psychological studies) to provide reasoning behind why human beings are indeed good at spotting bad behaviour, but bad at taking action. She also provides practical solutions to readers on how we can learn to speak out and intervene and ultimately become braver in the process. It’s worth noting that she provides an extensive reference section at the back to refer to the cases mentioned throughout the book.
We can all make a difference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2020
Understanding the psychology of courage and inaction
This book offers brilliant direction to transform silence and bad behaviour.
Teachers, Human Resources managers and leaders in communities; this book is essential to add to your resources.
Catherine Sanderson has wisely chosen to write this book, “providing insight into the forces that keep us from acting - offering practical strategies for resisting such pressure in our lives.” Scholarly research and insights from neuroscience and psychological studies validate Catherine’s use of her research and experience.
For one example in her book, Sanderson advises that social norms within a school can be changed by training a group of “social influencers” leading to research outcomes being very positive. Another worthwhile piece of advice, which is often neglected, is to build strong, caring and warm relationships at schools, work and home.
In the beginning, Sanderson succinctly describes what she is going to cover in each chapter, so you are forewarned about: Staying silent in the face of bad behaviour, bullying at school, sexual misconduct, and unethical behaviour to name a few. She examines how some people can stand up to others and then finally provides direction for strategies we can all use to speak up and take action when it is needed.
This book requires focused and concentrated reading, which is not when you feel like curling up with a book.
BonnieK
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
This book offers brilliant direction to transform silence and bad behaviour.
Teachers, Human Resources managers and leaders in communities; this book is essential to add to your resources.
Catherine Sanderson has wisely chosen to write this book, “providing insight into the forces that keep us from acting - offering practical strategies for resisting such pressure in our lives.” Scholarly research and insights from neuroscience and psychological studies validate Catherine’s use of her research and experience.
For one example in her book, Sanderson advises that social norms within a school can be changed by training a group of “social influencers” leading to research outcomes being very positive. Another worthwhile piece of advice, which is often neglected, is to build strong, caring and warm relationships at schools, work and home.
In the beginning, Sanderson succinctly describes what she is going to cover in each chapter, so you are forewarned about: Staying silent in the face of bad behaviour, bullying at school, sexual misconduct, and unethical behaviour to name a few. She examines how some people can stand up to others and then finally provides direction for strategies we can all use to speak up and take action when it is needed.
This book requires focused and concentrated reading, which is not when you feel like curling up with a book.
BonnieK
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
February 18, 2020
A quick read. I had already read, or was aware of, much of the information within this book. I expected a fresh perspective or a new, interesting take on this fascinating subject, but I was disappointed.
The book reads more like a dissertation than an engaging, exciting non-fiction book. I love reading non-fiction and have read some very well-written books over the past year, but this is. Or one of them. It felt very scholarly and flat and I didn’t enjoy the writer’s voice.
If you don’t know much about the bystander effect you might enjoy this book as an introduction. If you already have some awareness or knowledge, don’t expect anything new.
I’d recommend it more as a textbook than a non-fiction.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The book reads more like a dissertation than an engaging, exciting non-fiction book. I love reading non-fiction and have read some very well-written books over the past year, but this is. Or one of them. It felt very scholarly and flat and I didn’t enjoy the writer’s voice.
If you don’t know much about the bystander effect you might enjoy this book as an introduction. If you already have some awareness or knowledge, don’t expect anything new.
I’d recommend it more as a textbook than a non-fiction.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 17, 2020
As a speaker and author who speaks and writes abut sexual violence to end the shame, stigma and silence; I found this book fascinating!
Catherine Sanderson explores why don't people get involved, speak out or intervene when they know/think they should. It takes a lot to break out of our social conditioning
I love the new term "Moral Rebel" that I learnt whilst reading this book and I feel it describes me well.
I really hope that we can grow a culture of upstanders rather than just being a bystander!
Catherine Sanderson explores why don't people get involved, speak out or intervene when they know/think they should. It takes a lot to break out of our social conditioning
I love the new term "Moral Rebel" that I learnt whilst reading this book and I feel it describes me well.
I really hope that we can grow a culture of upstanders rather than just being a bystander!
September 24, 2020
Bästa faktaboken jag läst på väldigt länge!! Jätteintressant tema som behandlades på ett väldigt konkret o förståeligt sätt med stöd av relevant forskning, 5/5
August 23, 2020
This book is a compilation and updating of social psychology research on the social determinants of how people act or fail to act in a variety of troubling crisis situations. I put this on my queue after reading Rutger Bregman’s book “Humankind”. The author, Catherine Sanderson, is a professor at ?Amherst College. Her book covers a line of research that picked up considerable steam after the murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964, while a large number of observers watched the assault from their windows and did nothing (what happened was actually more complex). This work also includes the follow-up research from some of the greatest hits of social science research on obedience, conformity, and compliance, including the famous studies by Zimbardo, Asch, and Milgrom. This studies were working through social behavior issues dating from WW2 and the Holocaust, at the same time that the “Authoritarian Personality” studies of Adorno and others were under way. Updating brings this work forward to the age of sexual harassment, racial discrimination, abuse of LGTBQ individuals and others, and issues such as bullying, corporate cheating, spouse abuse and a host of other problems. What ties all of this together is the aim of getting individuals to think for themselves, to stand up for principles, and to do the right thing in difficult situations when the expected behavior is not to get involved.
This is good work done by excellent researchers. The book is well written and fairly easy to follow. The issues in the book show up in a range of contemporary settings, more frequently in various HR and student training programs to reduce the incidence sexual abuse and alcohol/substance abuse on campus, programs to help individuals to manage different awareness programs (Cleary Act, for example) and general programs to support more diverse workplaces. It almost certainly will be more popular and visible for structuring the workplace in light of COVID-19.
The book raises the high points of the research streams and provides references to follow-up on the principal studies. The book is a bit light on the details of the different research designs and how the choices of researchers constrain what the studies can come up with, or even how to think about the problems. It is not clear to me at all that social psychology study approaches in this research provide all there is to say on these topics. This includes the common approach of surveying the attitudes of subjects (largely undergraduates) and then assessing theSe same subjects in terms of their choices in different research choice situations and hypotheticals. In many of these situations, the subjects do not seem sufficiently engaged to make one confident that these results will carry over into more realistic and risky situations. The book tries to argue that the minor prompts in the studies can be seen as linked to escalations to more dangerous situations, but it is far from clear that responding or failing to responding to snarky interview situations is predictive of how people will behave in sexual abuse situations. Without the escalation argument, these studies can seem to tie undergraduate comments on diversity issues more to university identity politics than to BLM issues.
This social psychological approach also seems to downplay alternative approaches to some of these problem areas. For example, how to really model the cost-benefit calculations that individuals make about whether to intervene in a situation or not. The strangeness of this perspective comes across in the title of the book, once the comma is passed. The point of the book is claimed to be that of “turning bystanders into moral rebels”. What is strange about that? Well - the presumption of the book is apparently that individual choices can be predicted by the social norms in play in a given situation, as modified by individual and group characteristics. It sounds more than a little odd that the individual who makes a moral choice based on what is thought to be right is the rebel rather than someone who makes a good decision and does the right thing. While I understand the rationale, it does seem a bit of a negative view of people in everyday situations the following the crowd is the expectation and taking a moral/ethical position is the posture of a rebel. I also wish there was more the structural issues that can determine how behaviors develop in different settings. A higher “level of analysis” may well be relevant, one that is broader than that common in social psychology lab experiments. The constraints of individual networks go far beyond the small group decision parameters of most interest in these studies.
This research is valuable and worth knowing about. Professor Sanderson’s book does a good job in summarizing this research. It is well worth reading.
This is good work done by excellent researchers. The book is well written and fairly easy to follow. The issues in the book show up in a range of contemporary settings, more frequently in various HR and student training programs to reduce the incidence sexual abuse and alcohol/substance abuse on campus, programs to help individuals to manage different awareness programs (Cleary Act, for example) and general programs to support more diverse workplaces. It almost certainly will be more popular and visible for structuring the workplace in light of COVID-19.
The book raises the high points of the research streams and provides references to follow-up on the principal studies. The book is a bit light on the details of the different research designs and how the choices of researchers constrain what the studies can come up with, or even how to think about the problems. It is not clear to me at all that social psychology study approaches in this research provide all there is to say on these topics. This includes the common approach of surveying the attitudes of subjects (largely undergraduates) and then assessing theSe same subjects in terms of their choices in different research choice situations and hypotheticals. In many of these situations, the subjects do not seem sufficiently engaged to make one confident that these results will carry over into more realistic and risky situations. The book tries to argue that the minor prompts in the studies can be seen as linked to escalations to more dangerous situations, but it is far from clear that responding or failing to responding to snarky interview situations is predictive of how people will behave in sexual abuse situations. Without the escalation argument, these studies can seem to tie undergraduate comments on diversity issues more to university identity politics than to BLM issues.
This social psychological approach also seems to downplay alternative approaches to some of these problem areas. For example, how to really model the cost-benefit calculations that individuals make about whether to intervene in a situation or not. The strangeness of this perspective comes across in the title of the book, once the comma is passed. The point of the book is claimed to be that of “turning bystanders into moral rebels”. What is strange about that? Well - the presumption of the book is apparently that individual choices can be predicted by the social norms in play in a given situation, as modified by individual and group characteristics. It sounds more than a little odd that the individual who makes a moral choice based on what is thought to be right is the rebel rather than someone who makes a good decision and does the right thing. While I understand the rationale, it does seem a bit of a negative view of people in everyday situations the following the crowd is the expectation and taking a moral/ethical position is the posture of a rebel. I also wish there was more the structural issues that can determine how behaviors develop in different settings. A higher “level of analysis” may well be relevant, one that is broader than that common in social psychology lab experiments. The constraints of individual networks go far beyond the small group decision parameters of most interest in these studies.
This research is valuable and worth knowing about. Professor Sanderson’s book does a good job in summarizing this research. It is well worth reading.
January 19, 2021
“Taking small steps in the right direction—or even refusing to take a single step in the wrong direction—can make a big difference.”
Sanderson’s book leans on the research about morality, especially as it relates to why good people stand by in the face of wrongdoing.
She starts by seeking to explain why humans engage in bad behavior—and it’s not just because there’s some bad apples among us: “This belief that bad behavior is caused by bad people is reassuring and comforting. Unfortunately, it’s also wrong.”
In learning about these varying factors—the most powerful of which seems to be related to elements of groupthink—we can then have a better idea of what keeps us from helping people in need, from standing up in the face of racist or sexist comments, from confronting unethical behavior in our workplace.
I took a lot of notes on this one. Sanderson’s insights into human nature were revealing—a little disheartening at first, but then incredibly hopeful once she got into the practicals of how to train yourself to be a “moral rebel.”
As the author notes, simply being exposed to examples of moral courage can increase our own. The book itself does that by highlighting ordinary people who made choices to be moral rebels, and made a real difference.
Admittedly, when it came to the research overviews, I often skimmed through methodology and data in order to get to the meaty results, but I paid closer attention in the second half when she was providing more concrete examples and tips for counteracting unethical behavior.
Why We Act is a necessary read for parents (especially of high schoolers and college student), educators, and workplace leaders.
Sanderson’s book leans on the research about morality, especially as it relates to why good people stand by in the face of wrongdoing.
She starts by seeking to explain why humans engage in bad behavior—and it’s not just because there’s some bad apples among us: “This belief that bad behavior is caused by bad people is reassuring and comforting. Unfortunately, it’s also wrong.”
In learning about these varying factors—the most powerful of which seems to be related to elements of groupthink—we can then have a better idea of what keeps us from helping people in need, from standing up in the face of racist or sexist comments, from confronting unethical behavior in our workplace.
I took a lot of notes on this one. Sanderson’s insights into human nature were revealing—a little disheartening at first, but then incredibly hopeful once she got into the practicals of how to train yourself to be a “moral rebel.”
As the author notes, simply being exposed to examples of moral courage can increase our own. The book itself does that by highlighting ordinary people who made choices to be moral rebels, and made a real difference.
Admittedly, when it came to the research overviews, I often skimmed through methodology and data in order to get to the meaty results, but I paid closer attention in the second half when she was providing more concrete examples and tips for counteracting unethical behavior.
Why We Act is a necessary read for parents (especially of high schoolers and college student), educators, and workplace leaders.
April 8, 2025
Learnt pluralistic ignorance - where you think your own thoughts differ from others but in actuality, you're all thinking the same.
Very Americanised/America-centric book.
Anti-Palestinian but this book was written pre-Oct 7.
Take away - educating people on the specific things they can do to prevent bad things from happening and allowing them physical/real life situations to practice what they're taught is the best way of combatting the bystander effect at large. However, when it comes to closed institutions, like governments and private corporations, educating the possible perpetrators of bad things (tm) on how /they/ (not their victims) would be negatively impacted works better than the methods people currently employ - which is victim focused.
Very Americanised/America-centric book.
Anti-Palestinian but this book was written pre-Oct 7.
Take away - educating people on the specific things they can do to prevent bad things from happening and allowing them physical/real life situations to practice what they're taught is the best way of combatting the bystander effect at large. However, when it comes to closed institutions, like governments and private corporations, educating the possible perpetrators of bad things (tm) on how /they/ (not their victims) would be negatively impacted works better than the methods people currently employ - which is victim focused.
June 29, 2026
some interesting thoughts
July 22, 2020
Rating: 2.5 stars
Category: Non-fiction
Format: Audiobook (borrowed from library)
Content Warnings: Racism, references to racial violence, misogyny, sexual assault and rape, homophobia, bullying
Summary:
Most of us have heard of the bystander effect. It can be a major limitation to moral action in a variety of situations, from life-threatening emergencies to sexist comments in the workplace. But what actually is the bystander effect? How does it occur? And why is challenging it so important for communities and social justice?
In her book The Bystander Effect, Catherine Sanderson uses decades of research to answer these questions, outlining the psychological basis of the bystander effect in a way that empowers us to step up, challenge harmful behaviour, and become active ‘moral rebels’ rather than passive bystanders.
Review:
First Page Impressions
I certainly appreciated the intention of The Bystander Effect right from the start. Underscoring the importance of standing up for what is right, and supporting readers in doing so, seems a particularly relevant goal in the current sociopolitical climate.
Sanderson’s well-researched book immediately had me convinced of the pressing reality of the bystander effect. I was shocked to realise the discrepancy between how many of us like to think we would help in situation x, y or z and how many of us actually do – a perfect example of non-fiction writing acting as a much-needed wake-up call.
Final Page Reflections
Although I respected the intention and premise of The Bystander Effect, as I progressed I got the feeling that this could have been a much shorter read.
All of the experimental data included by the author was interesting to start with, but over time it became a bit repetitive and heavy. I preferred the real-life examples, some taken from Sanderson’s own experiences and those of her family, but unfortunately, these more personable examples were few and far between.
Because of this, The Bystander Effect is not particularly accessible for the general reader – I would instead recommend it those who have a specific interest in social psychology.
With that being said, I was glad to have persevered to the final chapters as these were the most useful, giving tips on reducing the bystander effect and becoming a ‘moral rebel’. While some people seem to innately be more immune to the bystander effect, the good news is that even those of us who are introverted and conflict-averse can train ourselves to step up when our voices are needed!
Diversity and Representation
Within this book, Sanderson challenges multiple forms of discrimination, moving fluidly between social issues from body image to police brutality.
However, she is careful to avoid creating a hierarchy within these issues. The Bystander Effect makes it clear that there is no situation, however seemingly minor or easy to dismiss, in which it is not worth asserting equality.
Themes
Psychology
Discrimination
Courage and fear
Community
Justice
Morality
Social pressure
Beyond the Book
I’ve recently noticed a common theme in my recent non-fiction reading: the gap between our self-image, who we like to think we are, and how we actually behave. We may not think we’re committing racial harm against POC in our everyday lives, but we are. We may believe we’d stand up to discrimination in any form, but when it happens it’s all too easy to protect ourselves rather than challenge the status quo.
With than in mind, I think self-awareness is so important to help us overcome our own barriers and move through the world with more compassion. The good news is that reading is proven to enhance this quality – as if we needed any further excuse!
Discussion Questions
Which facts and statistics in The Bystander Effect did you find most interesting or shocking?
Think of examples from your own life. When have you been a passive bystander, and, conversely, when have you stood up and challenged harmful words or behaviour?
Are there any tips you will take away from this book to help you become more of a ‘moral rebel’?
Favourite quote:
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Read if: You want to boost your moral bravery with a data-driven source.
If you found this review helpful, there are plenty more where that came from on my blog!
https://miscellanypages.wordpress.com
~ Exploring Difference ~ Opening My Mind ~ Striving for a Better World through Books ~
Category: Non-fiction
Format: Audiobook (borrowed from library)
Content Warnings: Racism, references to racial violence, misogyny, sexual assault and rape, homophobia, bullying
Summary:
Most of us have heard of the bystander effect. It can be a major limitation to moral action in a variety of situations, from life-threatening emergencies to sexist comments in the workplace. But what actually is the bystander effect? How does it occur? And why is challenging it so important for communities and social justice?
In her book The Bystander Effect, Catherine Sanderson uses decades of research to answer these questions, outlining the psychological basis of the bystander effect in a way that empowers us to step up, challenge harmful behaviour, and become active ‘moral rebels’ rather than passive bystanders.
Review:
First Page Impressions
I certainly appreciated the intention of The Bystander Effect right from the start. Underscoring the importance of standing up for what is right, and supporting readers in doing so, seems a particularly relevant goal in the current sociopolitical climate.
Sanderson’s well-researched book immediately had me convinced of the pressing reality of the bystander effect. I was shocked to realise the discrepancy between how many of us like to think we would help in situation x, y or z and how many of us actually do – a perfect example of non-fiction writing acting as a much-needed wake-up call.
Final Page Reflections
Although I respected the intention and premise of The Bystander Effect, as I progressed I got the feeling that this could have been a much shorter read.
All of the experimental data included by the author was interesting to start with, but over time it became a bit repetitive and heavy. I preferred the real-life examples, some taken from Sanderson’s own experiences and those of her family, but unfortunately, these more personable examples were few and far between.
Because of this, The Bystander Effect is not particularly accessible for the general reader – I would instead recommend it those who have a specific interest in social psychology.
With that being said, I was glad to have persevered to the final chapters as these were the most useful, giving tips on reducing the bystander effect and becoming a ‘moral rebel’. While some people seem to innately be more immune to the bystander effect, the good news is that even those of us who are introverted and conflict-averse can train ourselves to step up when our voices are needed!
Diversity and Representation
Within this book, Sanderson challenges multiple forms of discrimination, moving fluidly between social issues from body image to police brutality.
However, she is careful to avoid creating a hierarchy within these issues. The Bystander Effect makes it clear that there is no situation, however seemingly minor or easy to dismiss, in which it is not worth asserting equality.
Themes
Psychology
Discrimination
Courage and fear
Community
Justice
Morality
Social pressure
Beyond the Book
I’ve recently noticed a common theme in my recent non-fiction reading: the gap between our self-image, who we like to think we are, and how we actually behave. We may not think we’re committing racial harm against POC in our everyday lives, but we are. We may believe we’d stand up to discrimination in any form, but when it happens it’s all too easy to protect ourselves rather than challenge the status quo.
With than in mind, I think self-awareness is so important to help us overcome our own barriers and move through the world with more compassion. The good news is that reading is proven to enhance this quality – as if we needed any further excuse!
Discussion Questions
Which facts and statistics in The Bystander Effect did you find most interesting or shocking?
Think of examples from your own life. When have you been a passive bystander, and, conversely, when have you stood up and challenged harmful words or behaviour?
Are there any tips you will take away from this book to help you become more of a ‘moral rebel’?
Favourite quote:
“Not only will we have to repent for the sins of bad people; but we also will have to repent for the appalling silence of good people.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Read if: You want to boost your moral bravery with a data-driven source.
If you found this review helpful, there are plenty more where that came from on my blog!
https://miscellanypages.wordpress.com
~ Exploring Difference ~ Opening My Mind ~ Striving for a Better World through Books ~
April 28, 2020
Are you a moral rebel?
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"Broadening how we think about ourselves and our connections to others can help us overcome the firmly engrained human tendency towards inaction."
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The Bystander Effect by Catherine. A Sanderson posed many interesting questions and centered on an interesting topic. I'd heard of some of the studies before but wasn't entirely familiar with the phenomena. The concept is basically that good people or bad people look on as people do bad things without speaking out.
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The topic was interesting and I think important, however I felt that the execution was lacking. Sanderson details a lot of studies, but I found that she didn't really go into details about the scale of the studies, and alternative factors that could influence individuals. For example sexism in the workplace, Sanderson didn't really engage with the considerations surrounding gender inequality and how this may play in. I felt like the writing style lacked cohesion between the studies and Sanderson's ideas and this made it disjointed at times.
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The strength of the work lay in the final chapter where Sanderson identified actions that people can take. Her focus on people actively making small statements to themselves, people in leadership roles taking action like coaches talking to their players, and people focusing on connections to wider groups of society to feel empathy with people. I feel that the book would have benefited from Sanderson's thoughts more coherently throughout and a more nuanced examination of the studies. The focus of her work was mostly on the USA so I think it would be interesting to see how this concept works outside the US.
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I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review from Tandem Collective and Harper Collins.
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"Broadening how we think about ourselves and our connections to others can help us overcome the firmly engrained human tendency towards inaction."
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The Bystander Effect by Catherine. A Sanderson posed many interesting questions and centered on an interesting topic. I'd heard of some of the studies before but wasn't entirely familiar with the phenomena. The concept is basically that good people or bad people look on as people do bad things without speaking out.
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The topic was interesting and I think important, however I felt that the execution was lacking. Sanderson details a lot of studies, but I found that she didn't really go into details about the scale of the studies, and alternative factors that could influence individuals. For example sexism in the workplace, Sanderson didn't really engage with the considerations surrounding gender inequality and how this may play in. I felt like the writing style lacked cohesion between the studies and Sanderson's ideas and this made it disjointed at times.
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The strength of the work lay in the final chapter where Sanderson identified actions that people can take. Her focus on people actively making small statements to themselves, people in leadership roles taking action like coaches talking to their players, and people focusing on connections to wider groups of society to feel empathy with people. I feel that the book would have benefited from Sanderson's thoughts more coherently throughout and a more nuanced examination of the studies. The focus of her work was mostly on the USA so I think it would be interesting to see how this concept works outside the US.
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I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review from Tandem Collective and Harper Collins.
April 7, 2020
This is a non-fiction psychology book about what causes people to exhibit bad behavior and how it is not only bad people who do bad things. When we witness bad behavior what qualities in a person cause them to act or to stand by?
A lot of studies are referenced that I had already read about. As such, I found this quite dull and was very disappointed.
That being said. The author writes in a clear and concise way using language that people with no previous knowledge of psychology can understand. I would be happy to suggest the book to students who are perhaps about to start a qualification in psychology.
I am sure that if I had not already heard of most of the studies referenced I would have found it much more interesting. When I read the blurb before requesting the book I was expecting something a bit less textbook and a lot more engaging. Perhaps fewer examples of the same sort of behavior and less repetition would fix the issue, along with a new perspective and less dated examples.
I received this copy of #TheBystanderEffect for free from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A lot of studies are referenced that I had already read about. As such, I found this quite dull and was very disappointed.
That being said. The author writes in a clear and concise way using language that people with no previous knowledge of psychology can understand. I would be happy to suggest the book to students who are perhaps about to start a qualification in psychology.
I am sure that if I had not already heard of most of the studies referenced I would have found it much more interesting. When I read the blurb before requesting the book I was expecting something a bit less textbook and a lot more engaging. Perhaps fewer examples of the same sort of behavior and less repetition would fix the issue, along with a new perspective and less dated examples.
I received this copy of #TheBystanderEffect for free from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2020
I really liked the content of this book as a whole but found it rather clunky and repetitive. I'm not sure that part 3 was particularly useful in showing how to counteract the Bystander effect either.
March 26, 2021
When Catherine Sanderson’s son was in college, a student in her son’s dorm died after falling down while drinking and then being ignored while a party raged around him. The next morning, he was dead. At that point in time, Sanderson became fascinated with the issue of social norms. What causes a group of nice college freshman to ignore someone passed out and dying on a couch during an evening? It turns out that social norms, including inaction, are deeply ingrained in us. The book focuses on three main issues: (1) what causes social norms to silence good people when they should speak up? (2) What causes misbehavior (date rape, bullying) among people who would otherwise consider themselves to be good? (3) How do we create moral rebels, i.e., those willing to defy social norms when basic decency should compel us to act? Sanderson concludes that people erroneously conceive of “character” as something immutable, a failsafe that will keep us from being swayed by groupthink or mass hysteria, but that is simply not the case. We are changeable. Similarly, cultures are changeable, so it is also foolish for people to shrug off issues that are a product of social norms like bullying as inevitable. These behaviors are not inevitable, they are a product of a specific social context that people have the power to change.
There’s a lot of information packed into this book and I found it pretty interesting.
There’s a lot of information packed into this book and I found it pretty interesting.
April 13, 2021
There were some things in this book that were really fascinating. But it took me forever to get through it. Because there were also some things that were not. As per usual, I struggle with certain nonfiction books. Fiction keeps me turning the page to see what happens next and it's hard to get that level of readability in nonfiction - when I put it down it's not something I rush to pick back up. I did take a few pictures of paragraphs and pages that I wanted to remember or refer back to. I would honestly have to go back and look those up though, because since I've had to renew this book twice at the library to finish it, I really can't remember some of the things I liked. So I wish some of the stories were conveyed in a way that stuck with me better. But then again, that's just me...it may have stuck with others a lot better. I do remember thinking several times while reading this that it would get into the hands of more teachers, coaches, police trainers, etc. So there is definitely good material in there. The lessons were compelling for me in a way that the overall reading of the book just wasn't. I think that makes things like this worth the read even if I would rather escape into something more fantastical.
December 27, 2020
If there is one thing to be said about 2020 it was that this was not a year where you could stand silent. Maybe in the past years there was some level of putting your head down, thinking that by saying nothing things would fizzle out on their own. This was clearly not a good plan, and I've learned my lesson.
Catherine Sanderson writes a whole book summarizing the research on what pushes people to act or speak up. It has a lot to do with the psychology of groups, the examples set by perceived leaders, social groups, and by feelings of belonging.
None of this was overtly surprising - it's the kind of book that affirms what you already know to be true but I liked that it was compiled in one work.
I found the strategies section on how to basically call people on their biases to be a bit thin, but I did appreciate the insight into avoiding moral pitfalls and biases of my own. I imagine I'm going to need it in the years to come. 4 stars.
Catherine Sanderson writes a whole book summarizing the research on what pushes people to act or speak up. It has a lot to do with the psychology of groups, the examples set by perceived leaders, social groups, and by feelings of belonging.
None of this was overtly surprising - it's the kind of book that affirms what you already know to be true but I liked that it was compiled in one work.
I found the strategies section on how to basically call people on their biases to be a bit thin, but I did appreciate the insight into avoiding moral pitfalls and biases of my own. I imagine I'm going to need it in the years to come. 4 stars.
August 4, 2020
Very interesting social psychology book encapsulating current and past research about human behavior and decision making, particularly when it involves helping others and speaking out against injustice. The last two chapters in particular bring together the research to look at how we can break through the barriers that keep us from speaking out, and recognize situations where risky behavior is more easily tolerated or encouraged. As teachers and citizens, what might it take to shift the culture to more acts of kindness and bravery? Timely and thought provoking.
January 13, 2021
Got this book for Christmas and it was exactly what I was looking for! This book is an evidence-based approach to understanding how people behave in groups and ethically ambiguous situations. Some of these concepts seem very obvious, but Sanderson makes readers aware of the coined terms and always back up the conclusions with thorough research and science. Some may find many parts of the book to be dry or repetitive, but I think it all is necessary to fully embrace what one has to overcome to pursue moral rebelism. Overall, a very careful insight into the history and neuroscience of inaction.
April 2, 2021
Có lẽ, quan trọng hơn cả là chúng ta lo sợ những hậu quả xảy đến với mình, với công việc và các mối quan hệ xã hội khi đứng lên hành động, nhất là khi việc đó đòi hỏi ta phải chống lại các thành viên trong nhóm xã hội của mình. Nhưng bạn có thể cân bằng những tác động này nếu biết mình cần làm gì. Bởi lẽ như Martin Luther King Jr. đã nói: “Lịch sử sẽ ghi lại rằng bi kịch lớn nhất của giai đoạn chuyển tiếp này không phải là tiếng gào thét chói tai của những kẻ xấu, mà là sự im lặng đến kinh hoàng của những người tốt”.
April 24, 2022
Helpful and informational but repetitive at points. I'm not a big self-help book person but I did learn from "Why We Act."
A gripe of mine is that the positive findings from the studies mentioned early in the book are saved to the last chapter and collected like they're observations made by the author. The last chapter is really more of a collection of what those studies found.
That said, it makes you think. The studies are interesting and sometimes suprising. As a bystander research/study anthology, it does well.
A gripe of mine is that the positive findings from the studies mentioned early in the book are saved to the last chapter and collected like they're observations made by the author. The last chapter is really more of a collection of what those studies found.
That said, it makes you think. The studies are interesting and sometimes suprising. As a bystander research/study anthology, it does well.
October 7, 2025
An outstanding book that addresses the key question. Why do people stand - silent - while other people are being abused?
The answers are powerful, layered and convincing in this book. Sanderson explores the impact of group behaviour. But most significantly, the book concludes with the greatest barrier to organizational change: leadership.
If leadership does not value the discussion and disclosure of bullying, assault, racism and hazing, then there will be no change.
Powerful. Well researched. Excellent.
The answers are powerful, layered and convincing in this book. Sanderson explores the impact of group behaviour. But most significantly, the book concludes with the greatest barrier to organizational change: leadership.
If leadership does not value the discussion and disclosure of bullying, assault, racism and hazing, then there will be no change.
Powerful. Well researched. Excellent.
July 27, 2024
Aku rasa bersalah nak letak as 'read' sebab banyak part yang aku skip. But honestly buku ni best untuk orang yang suka dihujani contoh.
Tapi masalahnya aku geram sebab banyak sangat contoh pastu kesimpulan sebaris eh masuk contoh lagi. Contoh ni bukan yang kita boleh relate in life, contoh ni dia letak kajian2 which is good tapi banyak sangat yang buat aku rasa aku tengah baca research paper instead of book. Kalau baca research paper pun aku selak abstrak, result & conclusion je beb 😭😭
Tapi masalahnya aku geram sebab banyak sangat contoh pastu kesimpulan sebaris eh masuk contoh lagi. Contoh ni bukan yang kita boleh relate in life, contoh ni dia letak kajian2 which is good tapi banyak sangat yang buat aku rasa aku tengah baca research paper instead of book. Kalau baca research paper pun aku selak abstrak, result & conclusion je beb 😭😭
September 20, 2020
A brilliant read. Accessible enough to be a quick weekend page-turner, but so interesting you'll want to savour the new nuggets of information Sanderson drops in each chapter. Should be required pre-reading for the first-year of any establishment taking on pliable 18yos. A great example of how change is made possible through education.
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