The Social Brain: How Diversity Made the Modern Mind by Richard Crisp

In today’s diverse societies, it is sometimes difficult to understand whether multiculturalism is natural to our species, and whether conflict between groups in caused by external forces, or governed by an inherent aggression towards those who are different. In his in-depth new study, Richard Crisp, Ph.D. looks at these issues and provides a fascinating new perspective on the workings of world cultures: how immigration and diversity are essential in the shaping of human history.

Crisp is a psychology professor and an expert on social psychology, cognitive bias and behaviour. The Social Brain: How Diversity Made the Modern Mind is the latest of his many books, academic texts and textbooks that are read all around the world.

In order to get his points across to those unfamiliar with academic psychology, Crisp makes use of many simple analogies and an overall colloquial, easy-to-read tone, making the text accessible to even the most inexperienced psychologist. He calls upon numerous instances of cultural diversity and racial tension in recent global history as examples for his points, making the book relevant to all. In a relatively short space of time he manages to cover the workings of prejudice, Freudian perspectives, issues on immigration the social ecology that arises from diversity, among many other things. Several influential studies back up his findings, explained well for those who are unfamiliar with these techniques.

All of this is looked at through the lens of experimental psychology, which introduces an interesting new angle on the subject of diversity, and whether humans are truly meant to coexist. It is a useful and interesting text, and one that will arguably become even more important in the years to come.

Isabelle Milton

The Social Brain: How Diversity Made the Modern Mind is published by Robinson at the paperback price of £9.98, for further information visit here.