pigheadedness

Pigheadedness is a colloquial term for excessive stubbornness and obstinacy, especially when a person resists changing their mind despite evidence or valid arguments. The label is usually pejorative and implies irrational persistence rather than steadfastness or resolve.

Origin and usage: The phrase likens stubbornness to a pig; it has been used in English since at least the early modern period to describe inflexibility in judgment. It is commonly applied to individuals or groups in personal, professional, or political contexts.

Characteristics: People described as pigheaded may cling to a plan or belief, dismiss contrary information, and avoid compromise. The behavior can be defensive, part of identity, or a reaction to fear of uncertainty.

Causes: Cognitive biases such as confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance reduction, sunk-cost considerations, and social or identity-related pressures can contribute. In some cases, pigheadedness serves as a protective mechanism to maintain coherence between beliefs and self-image.

Impact: Pigheadedness can hinder problem solving, strain relationships, and reduce openness to feedback; in some contexts, a similar trait—perseverance or stubborn determination—can be advantageous when sustained effort is required.

Management and mitigation: Approaches include fostering psychological safety, presenting information clearly, inviting small commitments to test ideas, reframing arguments to align with values, and encouraging metacognition and feedback.

See also: obstinacy, stubbornness, dogmatism, perseverance, willpower.