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The Big Idea

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A big idea that shapes how we understand our place in the world - from the idea’s creator.

What are the big ideas shaping our world?  This new series from the BBC World Service picks the best ideas from economics to psychology, neuroscience to philosophy, political science to anthropology, and makes them easy to digest.

Each episode of "The Big Idea" outlines the important idea through the words of the person who’s developed the theory. In just nine minutes we offer a weekly chance to listen and feel just a little bit wiser.

The Big Idea: Do cities need rules?

Magazines & Reviews

Do cities need rules?

28/11/2020 GMT

BBC World Service - The Big Idea, Do cities need rules?

How does the way a city is run change its inhabitants' lives?

Have you ever thought that your city is too regulated? Or that the city you live in doesn’t do enough to police people who break the rules? In this episode, David Edmonds has been speaking to Michele Gelfand, a psychologist whose research on rule makers and rule breakers could change the way we think about our cities. We’ll find out why you might be able to tell the time better in a city that's like Switzerland; why Japanese police officers reportedly egged people on to commit more crimes; and why living in a city like San Francisco could make you more creative. 
 
Presented by David Edmonds.
Produced by Robbie Wojciechowski for the BBC World Service.

Image: A 'Don't Walk' sign (Credit: Getty Images)

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Do cities need rules?

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