Our choices shape the world around us, while the world we live in molds who we are. From personal decisions to political beliefs, the forces at play between the individual and society are vast and complex.
For Associate Professor in Psychology, Jennifer Sheehy-Skeffington, studying this interplay is more than just an academic pursuit; it's a way to understand how the mind and social structure influence each other in ways that impact us all.
With a diverse background spanning Ireland, the UK, the US, Europe, South Asia, and South America, Sheehy-Skeffington’s journey into academia was not a straightforward one. After completing a BSc in Psychology & Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin, she traveled the world, working as everything from trade justice campaigner to secretary to an ambassador, eventually deciding to enroll in an MSc in Social Psychology at the London School of Economics. It was during this time that Sheehy-Skeffington’s interest in the intersection of psychology and societal issues truly ignited.
"I always wanted to understand why people vote the way they do, why they believe the news they're told, and how economic systems shape our lives," says Sheehy-Skeffington, from Ireland. "The Master's program at LSE allowed me to explore these questions through a more sociological lens, which was a revelation."
Sheehy-Skeffington’s intellectual curiosity led her to the British government, where she worked as a social psychologist, diving into complex issues such as radicalization and key leader engagement in conflict settings. However, she soon realized that her true calling lay in academic research, where she could delve deeper into the psychological mechanisms underlying societal change. It was a chance encounter at a conference that would ultimately shape the trajectory of her career.
Captivated by a keynote talk on the psychological dimensions of state terrorism and inter-group inequality, Sheehy-Skeffington immediately sought the opportunity to work with Harvard University Professor, Jim Sidanius, who delivered the presentation. Her subsequent Ph.D. at Harvard University allowed her to explore these themes in depth, culminating in a successful academic career at the London School of Economics.
Now, as Sheehy-Skeffington embarks on a new chapter at NYU Abu Dhabi, her research focus has expanded to encompass the role of social welfare policies in shaping individual decision-making and societal outcomes.
We often make assumptions about the decisions and behaviors of those living in poverty, but we need to understand the functional and adaptive nature of these choices within the constraints they face," Sheehy-Skeffington says. "By exploring how different social welfare models impact individual decision-making, we can inform policy debates and work towards more equitable solutions.
Beyond the realm of poverty and social welfare, Sheehy-Skeffington’s research navigates the complex world of political psychology. Exploring the genetic and evolutionary underpinnings of political attitudes, her work aims to shed light on the psychological building blocks that shape our political leanings and the societal changes we witness.
"In a time of increasing political polarization and the rise of populist movements, it's crucial that we understand the psychological factors that drive these phenomena," she says. "By exploring these issues from a nuanced, cross-cultural perspective, we can better anticipate and navigate the societal shifts that lie ahead."
As she settles into her new role, Sheehy-Skeffington is excited about the research possibilities that the institution's resources and collaborative environment offer.
“Moving to NYUAD has been transformative in terms of resources,” she says. “I can now take my existing research passions and scale up how I think about pursuing them. The questions of inequality, poverty, and political polarization arise everywhere and have a profound impact on societies across the globe. Now I can dive deeper into these issues, collaborate internationally, and explore solutions that can truly make a difference."
