

Best of “How To”: The Infrastructure of Community
10 snips Dec 9, 2024
Eric Klinenberg, a sociology professor and author, joins Kellie Carter Jackson, a renowned historian, to explore the vital role of community infrastructure. They discuss how physical spaces like parks foster deep connections, especially in tough times. The conversation highlights the urgent need for supportive networks, the impact of technology on relationships, and the significance of public libraries as community hubs. Through poignant examples, they illustrate how genuine social interactions can enrich lives and promote resilience.
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Chicago Heatwave
- Eric Klinenberg discusses the 1995 Chicago heatwave's impact on different neighborhoods.
- Socioeconomic factors and social infrastructure played a significant role in survival rates.
Social Infrastructure
- Social infrastructure, like playgrounds and libraries, shapes social interactions.
- These spaces are human inventions, not automatic rights, and require investment.
Community and Emergencies
- Public spaces are necessary but insufficient for community building during emergencies.
- Shared projects and design elements contribute to the feeling of togetherness.