“Don't talk about politics” is a common piece of advice. Like religion, money and sex, it's a subject that causes arguments, creates division and leaves everyone feeling awkward. In fact, as this radical, groundbreaking work of sociology shows: talking about politics is pointless. We spend our lives watching political arguments unfold on social media and the news on a daily basis, and yet despite all the speeches, opinion pieces and protests, most people will not change their political views over the course of their lifetime. We might believe in the power of rational debates and impassioned demonstrations, but as Sarah Stein Lubrano argues, as much as we like to think that they convince people – they don't.

Everything that we're doing now in politics is wrong. If we want to reduce prejudice and get people engaging more in democracy, we need to get rid of all our old ideas. Sarah Stein Lubrano brings together psychology, neuroscience and political theory to ask that all-important question, what actually does change our minds? This is an essential book for anyone who wants to understand how we think, and the unknown factors that do influence our beliefs. From friendship to community organizing and social infrastructure, it explores a rich history of powerful political movements that have changed the world to show you how you can do the same today, leaving you feeling encouraged and confident so that you can engage in politics positively and productively.