Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Human Rights

About this Podcast

HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to have Dr. Jane Smith with us, an expert in behavioral economics and human rights. She's here to talk about an exciting new course, "Behavioral Economics for Human Rights." So, Jane, can you tell us a bit about this graduate certificate? GUEST: Absolutely! This certificate bridges behavioral science and human rights advocacy. It helps learners understand how cognitive biases and decision-making affect human rights outcomes, with a focus on developing effective strategies for promoting human rights. HOST: That sounds fascinating! How have you seen cognitive biases play out in real-world human rights scenarios? GUEST: Well, one example is confirmation bias, where people tend to favor information that supports their preexisting beliefs. In human rights work, this can lead to misunderstandings or ineffective communication between different parties involved in a conflict. HOST: That's a great point. And what do you think are some current trends in applying behavioral economics to human rights? GUEST: There's growing interest in using nudge interventions and framing techniques to improve human rights initiatives. These approaches can help create positive change without infringing on individual freedoms. HOST: Can you share an example of how nudging can be applied in human rights advocacy? GUEST: Sure! A simple example would be using default options to promote organ donation. By making organ donation the default choice on driver's license applications, countries have seen significant increases in the number of people signing up to donate. HOST: That's a powerful and practical application. Now, what are some challenges you've faced or observed when it comes to integrating behavioral economics into human rights work? GUEST: One challenge is overcoming skepticism from those who view behavioral economics as manipulative. It's essential to emphasize that these techniques are about promoting informed, empowered decision-making. HOST: Looking to the future, where do you see this field heading? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see more interdisciplinary collaboration between behavioral economists, human rights advocates, and policymakers. This will lead to innovative solutions for complex human rights challenges. HOST: Thank you, Jane, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. It's clear that the "Behavioral Economics for Human Rights" certificate will equip learners with valuable skills to drive meaningful change. GUEST: My pleasure! I encourage anyone interested in human rights and behavioral economics to explore this exciting new program.