My research explores the complex relationship between individuals, society, and culture. Drawing upon insights from sociology, criminology, psychology, behavioural science, anthropology, philosophy, comparative religion, mythology, and personal development, I examine the forces that shape identity, behaviour, relationships, resilience, and social change. Each article aims to make research accessible while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful discussion.
Human behaviour sits at the centre of much of my work and research. I am fascinated by the factors that influence how people think, feel, decide, adapt, and interact with the world around them. My interest extends beyond individual actions and explores the deeper influences that shape behaviour, including experiences, beliefs, relationships, emotions, culture, environment, and personal history. Through my writing and research, I seek to better understand why people respond differently to similar circumstances and how awareness can lead to personal growth, resilience, and positive change.
My academic background in Sociology provided an important foundation for understanding the relationship between individuals and society. Sociology examines the structures, institutions, cultures, and social forces that influence human behaviour and collective experiences. I am particularly interested in how social norms, communities, family systems, education, media, and cultural expectations shape identity, opportunities, and life outcomes. Sociology encourages us to look beyond individual experiences and understand the wider social influences that affect our lives.
My studies in Criminology deepened my understanding of crime, deviance, social control, and the factors that influence decision-making. Beyond criminal behaviour itself, criminology explores questions relating to justice, rehabilitation, risk, social inequality, victimisation, and human motivation. This field has helped me develop a broader understanding of how environmental, psychological, social, and economic factors interact to influence behaviour and life choices.
Social Psychology explores how people's thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are influenced by the presence of others. It examines topics such as group behaviour, conformity, persuasion, identity, relationships, prejudice, influence, and decision-making. My interest in social psychology stems from a desire to understand why people often behave differently in social settings than they do individually and how social environments can shape attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour in subtle but powerful ways.
Behavioural Science combines insights from psychology, sociology, economics, neuroscience, and related disciplines to better understand how people make decisions. I am particularly interested in the gap between what people intend to do and what they actually do. Behavioural science helps explain habits, biases, motivations, emotional responses, and the many unconscious influences that affect everyday choices. It provides valuable insight into personal development, behaviour change, and human decision-making.
Anthropology offers a broader perspective on humanity by examining cultures, traditions, beliefs, and social practices across different societies and throughout history. My interest in anthropology lies in understanding how people construct meaning, create social systems, develop cultural identities, and adapt to changing environments. Anthropology reminds us that many assumptions we take for granted are shaped by culture and that there are often many different ways of understanding the world.
Comparative Religion explores the similarities, differences, histories, and ideas found across the world's religious and spiritual traditions. My interest in this field focuses on understanding how belief systems influence values, behaviour, identity, purpose, morality, and human experience. Rather than approaching religion from a single perspective, I am interested in examining the themes that appear across different traditions and what they reveal about humanity's search for meaning and understanding.
Mythology provides a fascinating window into the stories, symbols, archetypes, and lessons that have shaped human cultures for thousands of years. Ancient myths often explore timeless themes such as love, sacrifice, courage, transformation, loss, wisdom, and personal growth. I am interested in how mythological stories continue to influence modern thinking, storytelling, identity, and culture, as well as the psychological insights that can be found within these enduring narratives.
Philosophy encourages us to ask deeper questions about life, knowledge, morality, truth, meaning, existence, and human nature. It is a discipline that challenges assumptions and promotes critical thinking. My interest in philosophy stems from its ability to examine fundamental questions that often sit beneath human behaviour and personal development. Philosophy provides valuable tools for reflection, reasoning, self-examination, and understanding the world from multiple
Personal Development is the practical application of learning, self-awareness, and growth. It focuses on helping individuals improve their understanding of themselves, develop new skills, overcome limitations, and create meaningful change in their lives. Much of my writing explores themes of resilience, emotional healing, self-discovery, relationships, purpose, and transformation. Personal development represents the point where knowledge, experience, and action come together to create lasting growth and positive change.
Indey S Cruz Foundation
