Self-censorship and what drives it

The Conversation Weekly explores the phenomenon of self-censorship, prompted by instances of universities and scholars preemptively removing potentially controversial language (like "diversity, equity, and inclusion") from their websites and publications due to fear of losing funding or facing backlash. Host Gemma Ware interviews Daniel Bar-Tal, a social political psychology professor, who explains self-censorship as a learned behavior influenced by socialization, obedience, and the desire to protect one's in-group, avoid punishment, or gain rewards. Bar-Tal connects self-censorship to contexts of intractable conflict, authoritarian regimes, and even everyday situations, highlighting its potential damage to open discourse and moral considerations in society.