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Why Ordinary People Harm Others
Human beings are capable of extraordinary acts of kindness and compassion. Yet, history and everyday life provide countless examples of ordinary individuals committing acts of cruelty and harm, often against others in their communities or even their own families. How can seemingly average people engage in behaviour that inflicts significant pain and suffering? This question has perplexed philosophers, psychologists, and sociologists for centuries, leading to extensive research into the psychological, social, and situational factors that drive harmful actions.
Beyond experimental research, real-world events have been analysed to understand the mechanisms behind harm. The Holocaust, genocides in Rwanda and Bosnia, as well as events in Gaza, along with instances of workplace bullying and domestic abuse, have prompted investigations into concepts such as “dehumanisation,” where perpetrators strip their victims of their humanity, making it easier to justify harm. Social psychologist Albert Bandura introduced the concept of moral disengagement, a process by which individuals rationalise harmful actions to align with their values or goals.
Recent research also highlights the role of cognitive biases, such as in-group favoritism and out-group hostility, alongside the effects of ideological indoctrination and systemic structures that normalise harmful behaviour. These…
