Renowned sociologist Michèle Lamont discusses her new book, Seeing Others, with Woody Powell. They explore topics such as societal dynamics during the Trump era, challenges faced by marginalized groups, the importance of recognition for a more egalitarian society, and the need for empathy and understanding towards different social classes. They also discuss the role of media and philanthropies in fighting inequality and the challenges of dignity and recognition in different cultural settings.
Recognition plays a crucial role in creating a more inclusive society, emphasizing mutual respect, empathy, belonging, and inclusion.
Societies need to move away from a narrow focus on socioeconomic success and adopt a more holistic understanding of worth that recognizes the value of individuals beyond their economic contributions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Recognition in Building a More Equitable Society
In this podcast episode, sociologist Michelle Lamont discusses her new book, Seeing Others, which explores the challenges of recognizing and valuing diverse social groups. Lamont emphasizes the crucial role of recognition in creating a more inclusive and just society. She argues that societal structures need to go beyond a narrow focus on socioeconomic success and meritocracy, and instead adopt a more pluralistic understanding of worth, emphasizing mutual respect, empathy, belonging, and inclusion. Lamont also highlights the importance of narratives and media in shaping perceptions and breaking down stereotypes. Overall, the episode highlights the need for individuals and institutions to actively work towards recognizing and valuing the dignity of all people.
The Role of Recognition in the Trump Era
In response to the Trump presidency and the divisive climate it created, Lamont decided to write Seeing Others as a way to provide analytical tools for sociologists and help the general public make sense of the social and political challenges. She explores how the Trump administration exacerbated tensions between different social groups and the importance of recognition in shaping their experiences. Lamont discusses how Trump appealed to certain groups by providing recognition and validation, while also stigmatizing and marginalizing others. She underscores the urgent need to navigate these tensions and find ways to recognize and respect all groups, promoting a more harmonious and egalitarian society.
Moving Towards a More Universal and Egalitarian Understanding of Worth
Lamont argues that societies should move away from a narrow neoliberal conception of worth based solely on socioeconomic success and meritocracy. Instead, we need to adopt a more inclusive and pluralistic understanding of worth that recognizes the value of individuals beyond their economic contributions. She highlights examples of companies implementing policies that consider employees' diverse roles as caregivers and promote a more holistic understanding of their worth. Lamont also emphasizes the importance of treating individuals as humans first and acknowledging the commonalities we share. By embracing these approaches, we can create a more egalitarian society that values and respects every individual's inherent worth.
The Power of Changing Narratives and Creating Inclusive Spaces
Lamont explores the role of narratives in shaping societal attitudes and perceptions. She argues that media, arts, and other cultural mediums have the power to challenge stereotypes and humanize marginalized groups. By creating narratives that emphasize the complexity of people's lives and challenge preconceived notions, we can foster a deeper understanding and empathy. Lamont discusses the importance of acknowledging and valuing the experiences of different groups, whether it's through inclusive workplaces, diverse media representations, or participatory democracy. She also highlights the need for collective action and the importance of recognizing the dignity and worth of all individuals, beyond our immediate social circles.
Renowned sociologist Michèle Lamont (CASBS fellow, 2002-03) discusses her new book, Seeing Others, with former CASBS director Woody Powell. The book assembles decades of Lamont’s scholarship, engaging some of contemporary society’s most elemental challenges and advancing key building blocks toward a shared human experience marked by greater inclusion, belonging, dignity, empathy, and equality.
