One day a pair of brothers working together as shoemakers had an explosive fight that split the family business in two. Over the coming years, this disagreement divided their town— residents and businesses chose sides. Could such a serious divide really be about shoes? Doesn't it take more significant differences to produce this degree of conflict? Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer investigate. [Directed by Arvind Singh Jeena, Totem Creative, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Weston Fonger].

Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer: The sibling rivalry that divided a town

The sibling rivalry that divided a town

A family feud over shoemaking in Herzogenaurach morphs into a town's identity crisis, proving trivial origins can spark deep divides.

Minimal group experiments reveal our innate bias towards 'us' vs. 'them', highlighting how slight affiliations shape our social identity.

Understanding group psychology illuminates the human condition’s complexities, urging inclusivity amid our inherent biases.