99% Invisible

Palaces for the People

Mar 19, 2019

Eric Kleinenberg, a sociology professor at NYU and author of "Palaces for the People," discusses the invisible yet essential fabric of social infrastructure. He emphasizes the importance of communal spaces like libraries and parks in fostering connections and combatting isolation. Kleinenberg highlights how these hubs provide crucial support during crises and enhance public health. He also critiques contemporary approaches to community building by tech giants, advocating for deeper public commitment to enriching social resources.

44:07

Creator website

Episode guests

Eric Klinenberg

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Episode notes

Intro

4min

The Vital Role of Social Infrastructure

18min

Reimagining Crime and Community Spaces

12min

Building Social Infrastructure: A Call for Commitment and Change

4min

The Overflowing Impact of Decluttering Trends

2min

Launch of 'Articles of Interest'

5min

Social Infrastructure is the glue that binds communities together, and it is just as real as the infrastructure for water, power, or communications, although it's often harder to see. But Eric Klinenberg says that when we invest in social infrastructures such as libraries, parks, or schools, we reap all kinds of benefits. We become more likely to interact with people around us, and connected to the broader public. If we neglect social infrastructure, we tend to grow more isolated, which can have serious consequences.

Palaces for the People

Articles of Interest, Avery Trufelman’s acclaimed podcast mini-series about what we wear, now has its own feed. Subscribe to AOI on Apple Podcasts and RadioPublic. Please leave a review and spread the word. Thanks!

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