The Earthquake that Catalyzed the “Humanitarian Big Bang”
In 1755, an earthquake in Lisbon forever changed the way we think about our place in the world and our obligation to others suffering, even in countries far away.
September 21st, 2020
development
August 31st, 2020
Building Trust to Face the COVID-19 Pandemic in Developing Countries
Developing countries have faced hard challenges in confronting coronavirus. Lacking trust in government could help explain why.
April 20th, 2020
Responding to COVID-19 in the Developing World
Advice that can seem grounded in “universal” human tendencies often isn’t. The actions that developing countries take will have to be carefully tailored to their specific circumstances.
March 02nd, 2020
Context Matters for Nudgers, Too: A Lesson from One of the Most Diverse Countries on Earth
Applying behavioral science in one of the most diverse countries in the world is not easy. But the work offers lessons for behavioral scientists everywhere.
December 09th, 2019
What Happens to People and Businesses When Cash Transfers Scale?
A decade ago, giving money directly to those in poverty was seen as a radical idea. Today, that perception is shifting. But there are still unanswered questions about the effects of cash transfers when used at scale.
September 03rd, 2019
Busting Misbeliefs to Improve Women’s Well-being
We pay dearly for our misbeliefs—with health, well-being, and opportunity.
January 23rd, 2019
Making Play a Habit
Pediatricians stress the importance of spontaneous play for children. Behavioral scientists understand the power of routine and predictability for busy parents. Where’s the middle ground?
October 22nd, 2018
“Talking Shit” Pays Off for Landlords and Tenants in Developing Cities
Failing to communicate about toilet sanitation has real implications for health and safety, especially for the millions of people in developing cities where a lack of infrastructure means toilets are often unclean and unsafe.
September 10th, 2018
Behavioral Development Economics
What is the new and growing subfield “behavioral development economics?”
July 03rd, 2018
How Policy Informed by Behavioral Science Can Help Children in Poverty
A new study explores whether using behavioral principles to distribute a basic income can more effectively combat child poverty.
