Nudge theory

Pode estar por aí parte do que precisamos para mudar o mundo!...

Ao menos é o que o Obama está solicitando na casa dele: The Whitehouse, yes, President Obama, issues an executive order requiring all government services to use behavioural science 'nudges' "to Better Serve the American People".

Nudge theory (or Nudge) is a concept in behavioural science, political theory and economics which argues that positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions to try to achieve non-forced compliance can influence the motives, incentives and decision making of groups and individuals, at least as effectively – if not more effectively – than direct instruction, legislation, or enforcement.

Nudge theory's most celebrated influences include the formation of a British Behavioural Insights Team, often called the ‘Nudge Unit’, at the British Cabinet Office, headed by Dr David Halpern^[1] and US President Barack Obama's appointment of Cass R. Sunstein as administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.^[2][3][4] In Australia, the government of New South Wales established a Behavioural Insights community of practice.

The "Nudge" idea has been criticised. Dr Tammy Boyce, from public health foundation The King's Fund, has said:

We need to move away from short-term, politically motivated initiatives such as the 'nudging people' idea, which are not based on any good evidence and don't help people make long-term behaviour changes.^[5]/.../