Future Now 010 — Astra Taylor on "The Age of Insecurity"
Sep 5, 2023
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Astra Taylor, author and activist, discusses economic insecurity and building solidarity. They explore the myth of insecurity fostering innovation and how guaranteed assets enable civic participation. They delve into the history of social security, the impact of insecurity on civic engagement, the fight for debt elimination, and the decline of strikes. They reflect on progress and mention the importance of pushing boundaries.
Insecurity is intentionally manufactured and exploited in capitalist systems, perpetuating a constant state of striving and income/job insecurity.
Fractal inequality creates a never-ending sense of insecurity, as even those in higher economic positions compare themselves to those above them.
Insecurity is perpetuated through cultural narratives that focus on individual self-improvement, but shifting towards systemic solutions is crucial for promoting human security.
Deep dives
The Age of Insecurity: Understanding the Ties Between Crisis and Social Order
Astra Taylor discusses her book 'The Age of Insecurity' and explores the connection between the various crises in our society, such as mental health, rising inequality, climate change, and democracy's decline. She argues that these crises are all rooted in a social order that thrives on insecurity. Taylor delves into the cultural issues and systemic forces driving this insecurity, highlighting how our economic system depends on it. She makes a case for prioritizing economic rights, like education, healthcare, and housing, as essential components of human security.
Manufactured Insecurity and Its Relationship to Capitalism
Astra Taylor dives into the concept of manufactured insecurity and its role in capitalist systems. She highlights how insecurity is intentionally generated and exploited for profit, extending beyond trivial examples like selling products to remedy insecurities about appearance. Taylor argues that this manufactured insecurity is constitutive to capitalist economies, keeping individuals in a constant state of striving, struggling, and maintaining their income and job security. She reveals how even those in higher economic positions experience and perpetuate insecurity due to the relentless pursuit of accumulation and status.
The Appeal and Consequences of Insecurity at All Levels of Society
Insecurity is not confined to individuals in lower economic positions but permeates all levels of society. Astra Taylor discusses the phenomenon of fractal inequality, where people in the upper echelons consistently compare themselves to those above them, resulting in a never-ending sense of insecurity. She examines how insecurity at different socio-economic levels is driven by systemic forces and divisions, undermining collective efforts to address inequality and promote security. Taylor argues that everyone stands to gain from a more secure order, and by recognizing and addressing this common need, solidarity can be built across social divisions.
The Cultural Acceptance and Normalization of Insecurity
Astra Taylor explores how insecurity has become a normalized part of our society and how it is perpetuated through cultural narratives. She explains that the constant focus on individual self-improvement and the belief that one's own insecurity is a personal failing have contributed to the acceptance of insecurity as a natural state. Taylor discusses the importance of challenging and debunking these narratives, highlighting the need to shift the focus towards systemic solutions that promote security for all. She emphasizes the significance of cultivating a sense of enoughness and reimagining our economic and social structures to prioritize human security.
The Fight for Debt Cancellation and the Power Dynamics at Play
Astra Taylor provides an overview of the fight for debt cancellation, particularly focusing on student debt. She shares the progress made through organizing efforts, including successful campaigns for relief and the Biden administration's initial proposal for student debt cancellation. However, Taylor highlights the challenges faced due to backlash from powerful interests, resulting in legal battles and delays in relief. She emphasizes the ongoing need for organizing and building grassroots power to continue pushing for debt cancellation and challenging the oppressive power dynamics perpetuated by debt.
In this episode of Future Now, IFTF Executive Director Marina Gorbis speaks with author, filmmaker, and activist Astra Taylor about economic insecurity and building solidarity. They discuss Astra's new book "The Age of Insecurity," (https://houseofanansi.com/products/the-age-of-insecurity) which examines how insecurity stems from systemic forces, not individual failings. Astra and Marina explore the myth that insecurity fosters innovation, and how guaranteed assets like housing and healthcare allow civic participation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the basic assets that enable human flourishing.
Show Notes:
“Why Does Everyone Feel So Insecure All the Time?” New York Times guest essay by Astra Taylor (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/18/opinion/inequality-insecurity-economic-wealth.html)
Astra Taylor Twitter @astradisastra (https://twitter.com/astradisastra)
The Age of Insecurity, by Astra Taylor (https://houseofanansi.com/products/the-age-of-insecurity)
Prisons We Choose to Live Inside, by Doris Lessing (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisons_We_Choose_to_Live_Inside)
Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth, by Margaret Atwood (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payback:_Debt_and_the_Shadow_Side_of_Wealth)
What Is Democracy? A film by Astra Taylor (https://zeitgeistfilms.com/film/whatisdemocracy)
Democracy May Not Exist, but We'll Miss It When It's Gone (https://academic.macmillan.com/academictrade/9781250231284/democracymaynotexistbutwellmissitwhenitsgone)
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