BBC News Magazine asks “Why do well-off people shoplift?” following TV-chef Anthony Worrall Thompson’s arrest over the weekend. Interviewing psychologists, the article suggests depression, the recession, or trauma as potential reasons. A 2008 paper by Dan Ariely provides another possible explanation. First, it is not immediately clear why theft is irrational. People may shoplift because …
Random thoughts
Race and immigration
This week, two of those involved in Stephen Lawrence’s murder were jailed following an 18-year campaign by his parents; Shadow Health Minister, Diane Abbott, was caught in a ‘racism’ row over comments she made about white people; and The Economist used its main leader to defend the City. All three are linked to the extent …
What’s the point of new year’s resolutions?
I was asked yesterday what my new year’s resolutions were for 2012. And while I had a ready list of five or so objectives for the year ahead, it did get me wondering what the point of new year’s resolutions were – particularly as we seem to revel in breaking them more than fulfilling them. …