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The standing line

Why we rage against those who refuse to wait their turn.

The standing line evokes strong feelings about justice. Breaking what we see as the rules for waiting in line can arouse anger, and even violence, in a way that feels totally out of proportion to the length of our wait.

Dessa finds out what queuing theory can reveal about social status and hidden power dynamics, and why the serpentine line in her local supermarket is a good thing.

(Image: A queue. Credit: Getty Images)

Available now

23 minutes

Last on

Mon 29 Nov 2021 03:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 27 Nov 2021 19:06GMT
  • Sun 28 Nov 2021 10:06GMT
  • Sun 28 Nov 2021 23:06GMT
  • Mon 29 Nov 2021 03:06GMT