Children are free with their tears - but why do we cry? India Rakusen explores the origins of empathy and the risks of reading the mind in the face.
India Rakusen examines why humans cry, what tears mean and why we might want to question our ability to read the mind in the face.
Taking a look at the science and psychology behind crying, from infancy through adulthood, and how tears connect to empathy and emotional development, experts explain how crying signals helplessness, invites support, and shapes social bonds.
The programme also explores how culture, gender, and upbringing influence how we express and understand emotions.
Presented by India Rakusen.
Producer: Ellie Sans
Assistant Producer: Charlotte Evans-Young
Executive producer: Alex Hollands
Commissioning Exec: Paula McDonnell
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Original music composed and performed by The Big Moon and Eska Mtungwazi
Sound Design by Charlie Brandon-King
A Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4
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Broadcast
- Wed 3 Dec 202515:30BBC Radio 4
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