Pretty Heady Stuff

Sarah Stein Lubrano offers a recipe for reviving sociality and detoxifying democracy

4 snips
Oct 2, 2025
Dr. Sarah Stein Lubrano, an Oxford-educated political theorist, explores innovative political communication in her conversation. She argues that traditional discourse often fails to persuade and emphasizes the importance of social relationships over mere debate. Sarah critiques the spectacle of political debate and highlights the value of shared action as a catalyst for change. By addressing the isolation in political discussions, she provides insights on building solidarity and effective engagement, presenting practical ways to revitalize democracy.
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INSIGHT

Discourse Alone Fails Democracy

  • Discourse (debate/marketplace) is highly valued but ineffective at changing political beliefs.
  • Lubrano argues democracy reduced to marketing or killing misses relationship-building as political core.
INSIGHT

Mashup: Left Ideas Plus Psychology

  • Lubrano blends left-wing theory with social science to explain political persuasion.
  • She argues science and psychology can help the left communicate more effectively.
ADVICE

Start From People's Lives

  • Start communication from people's concrete lives, not abstract theory.
  • Treat readers as intelligent and give them tools to understand their oppression.
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