The Science of Hate cover art

The Science of Hate

How Prejudice Becomes Hate and What We Can Do to Stop It

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The Science of Hate

By: Matthew Williams
Narrated by: Mark Meadows
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About this listen

Why do people hate? A world-leading criminologist explores the tipping point between prejudice and hate crime, analysing human behaviour across the globe and throughout history in this vital book.

'This should be on the curriculum. A must read.' DR JULIE SMITH

'A key text for how we live now.' DAVID BADDIEL

'Wildly engrossing.' DARREN MCGARVEY

'This is a world-changing book.' ALICE ROBERTS

'Fascinating and moving.' PRAGYA AGARWAL

Are our brains wired to hate? Is social media to blame for an increase in hateful abuse? With hate on the rise, what can we do to turn the tide? Drawing on twenty years of pioneering research - as well as his own experience as a hate-crime victim - world-renowned criminologist Matthew Williams explores one of the pressing issues of our age.

Surveying human behaviour across the globe and reaching back through time, from our tribal ancestors in prehistory to artificial intelligence in the twenty-first century, The Science of Hate is a groundbreaking and surprising examination of the elusive 'tipping point' between prejudice and hate.

'Hate speech online has escalated to unprecedented levels. Matthew Williams, a professor of criminology, is shining a scientific light on who is behind it and why . . . a rallying cry.'
OBSERVER

'Fascinating and beautifully written. I heartily recommend it.'
HUGO RIFKIND, TIMES RADIO

'Fascinating . . . A harrowing but illuminating work.'
EVENING STANDARD

'An indispensable guide to what's gone wrong both here at home and in much of the Western world.'
THE HERALD

©2021 Matthew Williams (P)2021 Faber & Faber
Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Racism & Discrimination Social Psychology & Interactions Social Sciences Violence in Society Discrimination Crime Mental Health Health Social justice Computer Science

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All stars
Most relevant
It’s an excellent effort to help an ordinary reader understand the psychological, emotional,
behavioural and social reasons that lead to development of hatred and then subsequent violence. The author has gone to significant length to explore the topic using multiple lenses and utilising various angles to look at the subject. There are some very honest personal declarations and submissions form him too. Where required scientific evidence has been quoted with its critical appraisal i.e. what is the limitation of that evidence. The author summarises at the end that more similar kind of work is required in future that needs to be done by various members of society belonging to different cultural and professional backgrounds that we help us understand this topic more over time.

Full of hatred 😀😀

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Engaging & informative.
Breaks down this complex subject in a comprehensive manner & suggests practical advice on combating hate. An important book. Should be compulsory reading in all schools.

Excellent listen!

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A rigorous scientific approach to understanding the mechanisms of hate combined with engaging case stories.
A must read for everyone who wants to acknowledge and better understand the human condition and traps that can lead to hate.

Much needed insights in our current climate

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