BBC World Service Online

The Why Factor

Documentaries

Factual

The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions

The Why Factor: The Lie

The Lie

17/05/2013

BBC World Service - The Why Factor, The Lie

Why do we lie? How do different cultures define telling the truth?

Many psychologists argue that learning to lie is an important stage for children. As early as two, children who are more developmentally advanced are much better liars. For some people, lying is something they can’t stop doing. We hear from someone whose life spiralled out of control due to her addiction to lying. 

But is every lie bad? The concept of a ‘white lie’ is one we teach our children from an early age but different societies socialise their children to tell different sorts of lies.  East Asian societies might be more aware of a ‘blue lie’ for example.

We explore how different cultures define telling the truth and what that shows us about our societies.


(Image: Woman holding her hand on the bible. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Why Factor

The Lie

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service