Michèle Lamont, "Seeing Others: How Recognition Works-And How It Can Heal a Divided World" (Atria, 2023)
Sep 13, 2023
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Sociologist Michèle Lamont discusses her book 'Seeing Others,' which explores the concept of recognition in building inclusive communities. She examines the role of change agents, the influence of neoliberal ideologies, and the importance of creating new narratives for a good society. Lamont also dives into Generation Z's negotiation of neoliberal individual values and pro-recognition values, as well as the global implications of recognition and future projects on dignity and environmental justice.
Recognizing and valuing the worth of neglected or marginalized groups is crucial for social cohesion and healing a divided world.
Change agents play a critical role in promoting recognition by producing and scaling up alternative narratives about historically marginalized groups, challenging stereotypes, and reshaping collective perceptions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Recognition and New Narratives
The podcast episode explores the significance of recognition and the power of new narratives in creating a more inclusive and hopeful society. The guest, Michelle Lamont, discusses how recognizing marginalized groups and valuing their worth is crucial for social cohesion and healing a divided world. Lamont emphasizes the need for an empirically-based approach to studying recognition processes, highlighting the role of change agents in producing and scaling up narratives that challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion. Examples such as Hollywood professionals creating alternative visions of stigmatized groups and organizations like Color of Change mobilizing African Americans for political impact exemplify the transformative power of recognition and narrative change.
The Concept of Recognition and Its Multifaceted Meaning
Lamont delves into the concept of recognition, drawing on the work of philosophers Nancy Fraser and Axel Honneth. Recognition, as Lamont defines it, is the process of acknowledging and valuing the worth of neglected or marginalized groups. It goes beyond mere identification and encompasses the idea of making individuals feel that they matter and have full membership in their communities. The focus is on producing inclusive narratives and maximizing inclusion, particularly in the face of under-stigmatization. Lamont clarifies that the term recognition here should not be confused with simple acts of identifying objects or individuals, but refers to a deeper sense of belonging and community-building.
Change Agents and Their Role in Shaping Narratives
The podcast highlights the important role of change agents in transforming narratives and promoting recognition. Change agents, as exemplified by Hollywood professionals, stand-up comics, advocates for marginalized groups, and philanthropic leaders, actively work towards producing and scaling up alternative narratives about historically marginalized groups. By challenging stereotypes and promoting three-dimensional, humane depictions, change agents play a crucial role in amplifying underrepresented voices and reshaping collective perceptions of marginalized communities. These efforts contribute to a more inclusive society and inspire social change. The concept of recognition chains, a collaboration between different sectors and groups, further reinforces and strengthens the impact of these narratives.
Linking Recognition to Social Inequality and Future Perspectives
The podcast examines the connection between recognition and social inequality, both at the top and bottom of society. Lamont explains how the neoliberal scripts of self have shaped societies, with professionals and managers embodying the ideal self celebrated under neoliberalism. Simultaneously, the American dream has become unattainable for many in the lower half of the social ladder. The book also explores the impact of neoliberal social scripts on mental health, highlighting the need for change. Additionally, the podcast focuses on Generation Z (Gen Z) and their search for alternative sources of hope in a world that seems to have let them down. The motivations and aspirations of Gen Z, including their commitment to inclusive values, authenticity, and political involvement, are discussed. The book underscores the potential for cross-generational alliances and argues for the importance of solidarity as part of the transformative agenda for a more inclusive society.
How can we challenge and change inequalities? In Seeing Others: How Recognition Works— and How It Can Heal a Divided World (Atria, 2023), Michele Lamont,Professor of Sociology and African and African American Studies and the Robert I. Goldman Professor of European Studies, at Harvard University, explores this question by empirically substantiating the concept of recognition. Using a huge range of case studies, interview data, as well as wealth of cross-disciplinary research, the book shows the problems of our unequal societies and the people, and ideas, that can contribute to solving them. It looks at art, politics, media and culture, as well as social policy and generational conflicts, all of which show how individuals and social groups need and can give recognition to each other. An accessible as well as detailed analysis, the book is essential reading across the humanities and social sciences, as well as for anyone who wants to make a better world.
Dave O'Brien is Professor of Cultural and Creative Industries, at the University of Manchester.
