Unstandard deviation: The untapped value of positive deviance for reducing inequalities

Abstract

Behavioral science is increasingly used in public policy to understand and address various manifestations of inequalities. Yet evidence from effective population-level interventions is limited. One framework, known as positive deviance, emphasizes individuals from disadvantaged circumstances who have significantly better outcomes than are typical for their group. Studying their behaviors and outcomes helps to understand what might explain their overall success. It can also help to incorporate those insights in such a way that would facilitate others from these circumstances to experience positive outcomes. Because positive deviance has been markedly understudied, we present a framework for doing so specifically within behavioral science for public policies aimed at reducing inequalities. Using examples from real-world and experimental insights on choices and outcomes of positive deviants, we encourage further study of their choices and trajectories over time to produce valuable insights. We propose that leveraging those findings would inform public policy by introducing interventions that are more ecologically sound and population relevant, and consequently have a better chance at benefiting those who start off under adverse circumstances.

The globalizability of temporal discounting

“…Inequality and low incomes have routinely been associated with greater discounting of future outcomes (12,17,18). We expected to find temporal discounting -to varying degrees -in populations around the world.…”

The globalizability of temporal discounting

“…Anomalies identified under temporal discounting are routinely associated with lower wealth [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] , which is especially concerning given incongruent impacts on economic inequality brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic 15 . Inequality and low incomes have also routinely been associated with greater discounting of future outcomes 13,16,17 , so it is not surprising that global studies would find temporal discounting (to varying degrees) in populations around the world 8 . However, the prevailing interpretations (that is, that lower-income groups show more extreme discounting 18,19 ) may result from narrow measurement approaches, such as only assessing immediate gains versus future gains.…”

The psychology and policy of overcoming economic inequality

“…Interventions are typically based on the perspectives of economists and legislators, but the vast majority of policies fail to consider true behaviors and challenges faced by those who have successfully overcome significantly disadvantaged circumstances. Known as positive deviants, these individuals should be studied to better equip policies to support sustained and meaningful upward economic movement (9).…”