Study after study has shown that men tend to be more willing to put themselves in harm’s way to help others. Why some men rise to the occasion – and others don’t – has been a bit trickier to pin down.
The Russian army has fared poorly and the Ukrainian military has fared well, defying experts’ predictions about the war in Ukraine. Can children’s fairy tales help explain the difference?
In Latin America, common citizens have often donned outlandish outfits and comic book-inspired personas to lead demonstrations and promote social change.
Just like in the days following 9/11, celebrities most successfully use their star power in the COVID-19 crisis when they appear to step out of the limelight, publicly praising first responders.
We do a disservice to survivors of major tragedies when we call them “heroes.” Instead, we should change our policies and attitudes to help them truly survive the disaster.
Psychology researchers are interested in what makes a hero. Turns out many mothers tick off those same boxes by fulfilling a range of needs for their offspring.
When Spartacus and 70 or so of his comrades revolted and escaped from their gladiatorial school near Capua in 73 BC, everyone imagined the matter would soon be dealt with. But his rebellion has continued to inspire political movements.
American cinema mines Greek myth most strongly at times of profound social anxiety. In the age of Trump, we are already seeing key political battlegrounds framed as underworld quests in film.
Thi Hong Ha Hoang, Université Paris Nanterre – Université Paris Lumières
One of the many roles of Vietnam’s fascinating “cult of heroes” is to ensure government control over religious feeling, channeling it into nationalism.
The authors of a new book have data that show politicians and the media love talking about heroes, but ordinary people are much more reluctant. That difference could have political consequences.