Why Do Culture Wars Happen? | Michael Morris

Why do we instinctively form groups, follow leaders, and defend traditions—even when it hurts us? Columbia professor Michael Morris joins us to explore the three tribal instincts—peer, hero, and ancestor—that shape how we cooperate and clash. From case studies at GM and Reddit to the surprising origins of Thanksgiving, we uncover how culture evolves—and how understanding it can make us better leaders, change-makers, and collaborators.

 ©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Topics

[0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Michael Morris

[6:19] Understanding the Importance of Tribes

[15:05] Peer Instinct and Early Human Coordination

[21:09] Hero Instinct and Status-Seeking Behavior

[29:50] Bottom-up vs. Top-down Cultural Change

[37:58] Case Studies: GM and Reddit

[52:30] Desert Island Music

[56:49] Grooving Session: Applying Tribal Instincts to Leadership

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Links

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Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together by Michael Morris

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Music Links

The Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil

Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone