American Exception USA: A Sociocidal Bonfire? – Charles Derber (DCC91 - Audio)
Jul 28, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Charles Derber, a sociology professor at Boston College and author of 26 influential books, dives deep into themes from his new work on sociocide. He explores how the erosion of social bonds threatens collective identity in America, connecting individualism and economic inequality to rising authoritarianism. Derber critiques the role of neoliberal policies in undermining worker solidarity and discusses the evolving landscape of protest and resistance against these trends, offering a hopeful perspective on grassroots movements.
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Society’s 'Bones' Are Social Bonds
- Sociocide describes the self-destruction of social bonds that make society possible.
- Derber argues social relationships are the "bones" of society and their erosion risks communal collapse.
Ik Tribe Illustrates 'Loveless' Breakdown
- Derber cites Turnbull's study of the Ik as a metaphor for loveless cultures where survival erodes care.
- He uses this example to show extreme scarcity can force pure self-interest and break social ties.
Workplace Changes Erode Solidarity
- Neoliberalism and workplace changes have deepened individualism into sociocide.
- Remote work, gig contracts, and union decline dissolve workplace solidarity that once enabled collective action.
