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Social Norms Chat
Social Norms Chat is a podcast for practitioners, funders, and changemakers eager to explore how social norms shape behaviors—and how they can be shifted to drive meaningful change. Hosted by Cäcilia Riederer from TransformNorms and featuring Sohail Agha, senior advisor at Global Health Visions, this podcast unpacks key concepts like aspiration vs. behavior, gender norms, and the power of reference groups.
Through thematic deep dives on topics like mental health, violence, and gender dynamics, we blend research, case studies, and expert insights to uncover what works (and what doesn’t) in fostering deep normative change. With special guests and real-world examples, we provide actionable strategies for those working in policy, advocacy, and community development.
Social Norms Chat
Episode 2: What are Social Norms?
What are social norms, where do they come from, and why do we follow them even when they go against our personal beliefs? In Social Norms Chat’s second episode, Sohail Agha and Cäcilia Riederer go through the concept and the theory behind it. Download our Toolkit: bit.ly/transformnormsguide
If you want to read more about Social Norms, check out:
- The Social Norms Atlas: Understanding global social norms and related concepts - Social Norms Learning Collaborative. Available here: https://www.alignplatform.org/resources/social-norms-atlas-understanding-global-social-norms-and-related-concepts
- Social Norms - by Lori Heise and Karima Manji. Available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/597f335640f0b61e48000023/Social-Norms_RP.pdf
- Using social norms theory for health promotion in low-income countries - by Beniamino Cislaghi and Lori Heise. Available here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29579194/
- TransformNorms’ resources list: https://bit.ly/transformnormsresources
Check out Sohail’s insights on his LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sohail-agha/
If you have any question, feedback or insights please feel free to email us at caecilia@apolitical.foundation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transformnorms
Website: https://transformnorms.com/
Executive producer and host: Cäcilia Riederer
Special guest: Dr. Sohail Agha
Producer and writer: Dora Ehrlich
Editor: Tabusum Akter