In this podcast, Professor Ben Ansell explores fostering a collective identity in a divided society. He discusses regional disparities and the decline of industries, the importance of solidarity and public services, universal benefits versus means-tested benefits, turning foreign aid commitments into outcomes, the risks of artificial intelligence, English solidarity, and the impact of the European Court of Human Rights on Brexit and fake news threat to solidarity.
Solidarity is crucial for a cohesive society, going beyond polarization and emphasizing our shared fate as humans.
Regional disparities challenge the sense of belonging and shared fate necessary for solidarity; investment in local infrastructure and services can foster unity.
Implementing universalism, such as universal basic income or services, requires balancing individual benefits with collective responsibility for sustainable and inclusive solidarity.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Polarization and Solidarity
In this podcast episode, Professor Ben Ansell explores the concept of solidarity in today's polarized culture. He highlights the challenges of increased inequality and regional disparities within the UK, using examples from the northeast region. Ansell emphasizes the importance of social glue and reciprocal solidarity, arguing for a politics of solidarity that goes beyond charity and promotes a shared fate and collective identity. He discusses universalism as a potential solution, whether through universal basic income or universal basic services, while acknowledging the need for credible financial and political support. Ansell also reflects on the role of history, activism, and collective mobilization in fostering solidarity and addressing societal challenges. Overall, the episode raises questions about the future of solidarity and the need for a nuanced and inclusive approach to ensure social cohesion and fairness in society.
The Impact of Regional Disparities on Solidarity
Professor Ben Ansell uses the northeast region of England, specifically Sunderland, as a case study to explore the impact of regional disparities on solidarity. He highlights the historical significance of Sunderland as a city that has faced economic decline and inequality compared to regions like London and the Southeast. Ansell argues that the sense of belonging and shared fate necessary for solidarity is challenged when certain areas are left behind. He discusses the need for investment in local infrastructure, affordable housing, and accessible public services to empower communities and foster solidarity. Ansell also emphasizes the role of civic engagement, volunteerism, and local activism in promoting community solidarity. He suggests that a decentralized approach to governance, taking local needs seriously, could contribute to a stronger sense of unity and solidarity within the country.
The Role of Social Glue and Reciprocal Solidarity
Professor Ben Ansell explores the significance of social glue and reciprocal solidarity in building a cohesive society. He advocates for a politics of solidarity that goes beyond polarization and emphasizes our shared fate as humans. Ansell discusses the importance of developing a collective identity and a sense of belonging in order to move beyond disagreements. He highlights the National Health Service (NHS) as an example of solidarity in action, emphasizing its universal nature and the reciprocal benefits it provides to all residents. Ansell also discusses the challenges of implementing universalism and the potential of concepts like universal basic income (UBI) to address inequality and provide a safety net. He acknowledges the need for a balanced approach that combines social spending, local guarantees, and individual contributions to ensure a sustainable and inclusive solidarity.
The Challenges of Funding and Implementing Universalism
Professor Ben Ansell acknowledges the challenges of funding and implementing universalism, such as universal basic income (UBI) or universal basic services, in a society marked by inequality and diverse needs. He discusses the trade-off between providing individual cash benefits through UBI and collectively funded services like the National Health Service (NHS) . Ansell emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between unconditional benefits and individual responsibilities to ensure solidarity and fairness. He suggests the need for a comprehensive approach that provides universal guarantees for education, healthcare, housing, and accessible public transport, implemented in a locally sensitive manner. Ansell also reflects on the role of national and local governments in empowering communities and building solidarity through inclusive policies and respectful engagement.
The Future of Solidarity: Challenges and Opportunities
In this podcast episode, Professor Ben Ansell explores the future of solidarity in a society marked by increased polarization and challenges. He highlights the importance of trust and shared experiences in fostering solidarity. Ansell discusses the role of activism, mobilization, and protest in holding governments accountable and advocating for change. He acknowledges the risks associated with the spread of fake news and disinformation in undermining solidarity. Ansell also reflects on the need for a nuanced understanding of history, acknowledging both its positive and negative aspects, without overemphasizing one over the other. Overall, he emphasizes the importance of engaging in a society-wide conversation about the future of solidarity, while recognizing the complex and multifaceted nature of the challenges we face.
This year's BBC Reith Lecturer is Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University and the author of "Why Politics Fails." He will deliver four lectures in a series called “Our Democratic Future.” The series asks how we can build a politics that works for all of us with systems which are robust to the challenges of the twenty first century, from climate change to artificial intelligence.
In this third lecture, recorded in Sunderland, Professor Ansell explores whether we can develop a shared sense of belonging in today's polarised societies. How can we ensure that we look after the less fortunate in an economy that seems only to reward the 'already haves'? Ansell addresses the challenges posed by technologies that enrich a small elite and privatise solidarity with bespoke healthcare and benefits that might undermine collective solidarity. And he assesses how policy reform - from universal basic income to civic nationalism - might help renew our communities.
The Reith Lectures are chaired by Anita Anand and produced by Jim Frank.
The Editor is China Collins, and the co-ordinator is Brenda Brown.
The series is mixed by Rod Farquhar and Neil Churchill.
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