How ordinary people are capable of extraordinary evil
When the true extent of Nazi atrocities comes to light after the end of World War II, one question is on the world's mind: how was it humanly possible commit those crimes? Initially, the perpetrators of the Shoah are regarded as exceptionally evil sadists and psychopaths. However, further research reveals many perpetrators to be simple citizens with normal family lives and very ordinary social relationships. From this remarkable observation, attention is growing on the so-called offender perspective: how are seemingly ‘ordinary’ people capable of doing the most heinous things to others?
In addition to historical examples, this lecture uses social-psychological research to explain the timeless mechanisms behind collective violence. She offers an engaging angle for making mass violence comprehensible, both in historical examples and in current events and even in our day-to-day world.