Questions

997 questions in the encyclopedia.

Why are Alaska's salmon getting smaller?

Why are Alaska's salmon shrinking in size? This entry maps the explanations — that climate change is reshaping the fish, and that competition from vast numbers of hatchery-raised salmon is to blame.

Why are arranged marriages successful?

Why do arranged marriages often endure? This entry maps the explanations offered — that they relieve individuals of a hard choice, that they are made with little agonised deliberation, and that they begin from low expectations that are then exceeded.

Why are Australian wildfires so bad?

Australia's fire seasons have become severe enough to prompt an argument about what is driving them. This entry maps the two explanations set against each other here — a warming, drying climate, and the land-management and policy choices made in response.

Why are clothes sizes so erratic and can they be fixed?

Why is clothing sizing so inconsistent, and can it be fixed? This entry maps the explanations — that retailers simply apply inconsistent standards, and that 'vanity sizing' deliberately distorts the numbers on the label.

Why are comic book movies so popular?

From X-Men's modest $296 million box office total to Avengers: Endgame's $2 billion, it's easy to see that comic book movies have become box office juggernauts over the last two decades. But why now? Comics have been around since World War II, so why are movies based on comics just now becoming popular? What, if anything, has changed?

Why are environmental activists being killed?

Why are environmental activists being killed in record numbers? This entry maps the explanations — that violence follows the global economy's push into remote lands, and that it thrives where law and order are weak.

Why are men more likely to commit suicide?

This entry maps the explanations offered for why men are more likely to die by suicide — that toxic masculinity discourages help-seeking, that men have weaker social networks, and that men more often use more lethal methods.

Why are men overrepresented in tech?

Tech and software development are industries where men are heavily favoured. Is this because men are naturally driven towards these roles, or because women are turned against them?

Why are some people always late?

We all know someone who cannot for the life of them show up anywhere on time. We now have a lot of technology that helps us avoid this issue - so where is the problem? Is being late a symbol of disrespect for others' time? Is being late a symbol of optimism in the amount of time it takes to get somewhere? Or something else entirely?

Why are South African youths disillusioned with politics?

Why are young South Africans turning away from politics? This entry maps the explanations — that they feel their votes do not count, that they are indifferent to elections, and that they feel politics does not affect them.

Why are the Simpsons good at predicting future events?

How has The Simpsons seemingly predicted so many real events? This entry maps the explanations — that the future is easier to forecast than it seems, that the show's writers were unusually sharp, and that its huge output made coincidences inevitable.

Why are there so many coronavirus cases in the US?

The US now has more COVID-19 cases than any other country in the world. But why? The virus has taken hold at an alarming speed, outpacing other nations and leading to questions over its healthcare system, economy, capacity for state intervention and policy priorities. Is its spread symptomatic of other weaknesses?

Why are there so many mice in London?

Mice are a big part of life in London. And London's poor waste management, rodenticide resistance, old buildings or lack of predators may all play a role in London's mouse problem.

Why did Abraham Lincoln want to abolish slavery?

Abraham Lincoln is painted as a hero in American history books, but his true position on slavery during the Civil War has been debated by historians. Abraham Lincoln's motives were unclear and questionable.

Why did Americans vote for Donald Trump in the 2016 election?

In 2016, Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton to the American Presidency, winning the election with 48% of the national vote. His victory defied expert opinion and polling forecasts, leaving many to wonder what crucial elements they had missed when predicting its outcome. So, why did Americans vote for Donald Trump in the US election?

Why did Labour lose the 2019 UK general election?

On election night 2019, Labour supporters watched in horror as the count revealed Labour's worst election performance in recent history. In the wake of the party's worst night "since 1935", Labour members and analysts attempt to dissect what went wrong. Was it the party's stance on Brexit? An unpalatable leader in Jeremy Corbyn? Or a misguided election strategy?

Why did leftwingers love Wagner?

Why did the composer Richard Wagner, later associated with the far right, attract left-wing admirers? This entry maps the explanations — his nods to communism, the Marxist tones of the Ring's tale of corrupting power, and the influence of prominent leftist fans.

Why did the US lose the Vietnam War?

The Vietnam War was a failure for the United States. Despite expending more than $141 billion, and 56,000 American lives, the world’s largest military superpower was unable to achieve its sole strategic objective: to prevent Vietnam from falling under communist control. Historians are divided over the reasons that led to US defeat.

Why did the Western Roman Empire Collapse?

Rome's inability to tackle a series of barbarian incursions led to the collapse of the Western Empire. Rome was sacked multiple times in the 5th century AD and the last Roman Emperor was formally deposed in 476.

Why did US election polling get it wrong in 2016?

Why did the polls misjudge the 2016 US election? This entry maps the explanations — that polls underestimated Trump's support, suffered nonresponse bias, captured dishonest answers, and reflected bias in identifying likely voters.

Why do humans enjoy music?

Why do men cheat on women?

Heterosexual infidelity is increasingly common. Statistics vary, but most estimate that 20% of married men have secret extramarital sexual relationships at one point or another. Why? This illicit betrayal can ruin lives and tear families apart. So, what drives men to cheat on women?

Why do people become extremists?

By Oxford definition, an extremist is defined as "a person who holds extreme or fanatical political or religious views, especially one who resorts to or advocates extreme action." The United States FBI has outlined the following reasons why people may turn to extremism.

Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?

Studies show that the majority of people believe in at least one conspiracy theory. They’re becoming increasingly pervasive in our everyday lives, with it not being uncommon to hear conspiracy theories coming from commanders-in-chief. Why would someone believe something that others perceive as crazy?

Why do some Christian groups not like Harry Potter?

Why have some Christian groups objected to Harry Potter? This entry maps the explanations — claims that the series promotes Wicca and contains Satanic subtexts, and the counter that its magic bears little resemblance to real occultism.

Why do Star Wars Storm Troopers have such terrible aim?

Why are Star Wars' Stormtroopers such famously poor shots? This entry sets out the two explanations offered — that the Stormtroopers are badly trained, and that they are badly equipped for the task.

Why do the French hate the British?

The French and British neighbours have a long history of cultural interactions, wars, trade, and maintain very different cultures and language. There is generally a distain for the British from the French, but what are the reasons behind this?

Why do videos of public beheadings get millions of views?

Why do videos of public beheadings draw millions of views? This entry maps the explanations — that people have always been drawn to watch executions, that horror exerts a pull, and that some viewers are being violently radicalised.

Why do we exist?

Why do we exist at all? This entry maps the answers offered to one of the oldest questions — that we exist to procreate, that we exist because God wills it, and that the question of why ultimately does not matter.

Why do we fetishize serial killers?

Serial killers are dangerous criminals that have caused a lot of pain and fear. Because of their killing habits, they easily become the bad guy in television shows and movies. “Silence of the Lambs” and “Criminal Minds” are good examples of entertainment that uses criminals for entertainment. Despite their horrible reputations in real life, people fall in love with serial killers and get enjoyment out of their unnatural lifestyles. Why would people find happiness in someone who has killed people?

Why do white evangelical Christians support Donald Trump?

In the 2016 US election, white evangelical Christians resoundingly voted for Donald Trump and were critical in his Presidential victory. Despite much of Trump's behaviour seen as an affront to "traditional values", 81% of evangelicals turned out to vote for him. Why?

Why do women live longer than men?

Scientific studies have proved that women generally tend to live longer than men, but the reasons for this are still theories. Is it socialization or biology that creates this gap in lifespan between the sexes?

Why do women still change their names?

In many parts of the world women take the name of their husbands when they get married. This tradition is very old, and many believe it is no longer a relevant or appropriate practice in the modern world. So why do women still take their husbands names?

Why do women write under men’s names?

Why have so many women writers published under men's names? This entry maps the explanations — to be read without prejudice, to write more freely, and to attract a male readership for their work.

Why does India have so many Covid-19 deaths?

Why did India suffer so heavily during the Covid-19 pandemic? This entry maps the explanations — reopening too soon, dense population, insufficient testing, a herd-immunity approach, and widespread denialism and conspiracy theories.

Why does Monopoly destroy families?

It's no secret that gaming in families can deepen longstanding conflicts. But it's Monopoly that has historically caused even the most sedate auntie to try and send the whole group to jail. Is it the Chance? The Community Chest? The natural grievances brought out by an inflated property market?

Why has the divorce rate increased?

Why has the divorce rate risen over recent decades? This entry maps the explanations — the rise of individualism, the strains of the pandemic, easier access to divorce, the decline of religion, and the empowerment of women.

Why has there been a rise in hate crimes in Germany?

This entry maps the explanations offered for a rise in hate crimes in Germany — that it has been driven by rising populism, that it stems from the refugee crisis, and that there is no real rise, only increased reporting.

Why have humans always slaughtered each other?

War, unbalanced countries , huge divide in living conditions yet we are the only species that know our fate is death' on this small blue ball earth that was given mm perfect yet we do nothing but destroy damage , an poison our home . Kings through the centuries till Now. Is asking for every human to live in peace so inconceivable we could' cultivate our world an harvest so people could have lived as equals , But NO humans choose the path of greed' an blood' for power' borders , We have everything yet nothing , yet centuries ago our ancestors had nothing like modern age but could produce pure genius eg Michelangelo / Pyramids/ we can't even decide on medicine, or Food, humans have declined , This is the dark ages . we slaughter, seems like WAR we are the cancer. from 1066 to BC bloodshed why that's all ,Please excuse my punctuation i suffer

Why is Among Us so popular?

Why did the game Among Us become a global phenomenon? This entry maps the explanations — that it is a fresh spin on a classic format, that it surged during lockdown, that it is endlessly replayable and accessible, and that streamers drove its rise.

Why is Call of Duty so popular?

Why is the Call of Duty franchise so enduringly popular? This entry maps the explanations offered — its complexity, its fast pace, and, conversely, its accessibility and simplicity.

Why is domestic violence surging during the COVID-19 pandemic?

For people who are experiencing domestic violence, mandatory lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19 have trapped them in their homes with their abusers, isolated from the people and the resources that could help them.

Why is far right extremism on the rise in Germany?

Why is far-right extremism resurgent in Germany? This entry maps the explanations — that the country has always harboured such extremism, and that the 2015 refugee crisis fuelled its recent rise.

Why is Federalism Important for Democracy?

Federalism is the division of a territory into states or units. Certain powers are devolved to each state to some degree, in parallel with the powers of the central government. Many important political thinkers believe federalism is essential for a democracy to function properly.

Why is Fortnite so addictive?

Fortnite is a video game from Epic games that has captured the attention of millions around the globe. Players compete in a shooter style game, with crazy outfits, fun dance moves, wild weapons, and fort building. But why has this game become so so popular?

Why is healthcare in the US so expensive?

Healthcare in America seems to be a lot more expensive than the rest of the world. From research and development for pharmaceutical drugs, to diagnostic tests, to doctors' salaries, everything in America has a higher price tag. In fact, in 2016, 17.8% of the country's GDP was spent on healthcare. Meanwhile, countries such as France, Sweden, Canada, Australia, and many others only spent around 11.5% of their GDP on healthcare-related reasons. Is the higher price of healthcare in America justifiable? What factors are driving the costs of healthcare and making it so expensive?