The Value of Thoughts and Prayers

Tuesday, November 10, 2020 12:30 pm EST to 1:30 pm EST

Live-stream event

Asst. Prof. in Anthropology & Sociology, Shiri Noy, discusses the value of ‘thoughts and prayers’ as a response to hardships.

The Lisska Center for Scholarly Engagement and Arts@Denison present a virtual Lunch & Learn with Denison Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Shiri Noy, discussing The Value of Thoughts and Prayers.

A standard response of both policy makers and private citizens to hardships—from hurricanes to COVID-19—is to offer “thoughts and prayers.” Critics argue that such gestures are meaningless and may obstruct reforms intended to mitigate catastrophes. In collaboration with economist Linda Thunstrom at the University of Wyoming, Noy set out to measure the value of thoughts and prayers to Americans using experimental survey data. The talk will discuss their findings and share their follow-up research.

A zoom link will be provided with your registration confirmation email.