From Elevate Society, Book summary
Seeing Others asserts that while economic inequality is visible and widely discussed, the hidden cultural dimension of recognition shapes how people feel about themselves and each other. Lamont explains that stigma isn’t just symbolic—it’s material, eroding lives and communities when people are viewed as undeserving or unworthy. In a world that prizes diplomas, productivity, and wealth, those outside the spotlight are pushed further away from dignity.
Lamont further proposes a transformative solution: a “politics of recognition.” By crafting and amplifying inclusive narratives—through media, art, grassroots movements—we can change cultural norms about who is seen, who is valued. She demonstrates this through interviews with “change agents” and Gen Z young adults who are pioneering visions of universal belonging, showing how small cultural shifts can grow into meaningful social change.
“Dignity Matters as Much as Material Needs”: Michèle Lamont on Recognition Claims and Understanding American Politics" interview with Caitlin Zaloom (9/12/2023)Getting respect matters more than you think. After decades of research on workers and members of stigmatized groups like African Americans, Michèle Lamont has written the capstone of her career. In Seeing Others, Lamont shows how much weight we put on being recognized by others and on getting the respect we deserve. Here, Lamont unpacks how “recognition” explains everything from Black Lives Matter to Make America Great Again, how storytelling is good politics, and how change agents and Gen Z contribute to defining who does—and doesn’t—get respect.
How To Heal a Divided World Ted Talk (2021)How do we define worth in society, and who gets status? Sociologist Michele Lamont studies these questions and investigates ways to broaden the circle of recognition and fight the harm of social stigmatization. She lays out the steps needed to make more inclusive societies -- and it all starts by expanding our idea of who matters.
Seeing Others asserts that while economic inequality is visible and widely discussed, the hidden cultural dimension of recognition shapes how people feel about themselves and each other. Lamont explains that stigma isn’t just symbolic—it’s material, eroding lives and communities when people are viewed as undeserving or unworthy. In a world that prizes diplomas, productivity, and wealth, those outside the spotlight are pushed further away from dignity.
“Dignity Matters as Much as Material Needs”: Michèle Lamont on Recognition Claims and Understanding American Politics" interview with Caitlin Zaloom (9/12/2023)
Getting respect matters more than you think. After decades of research on workers and members of stigmatized groups like African Americans, Michèle Lamont has written the capstone of her career. In Seeing Others, Lamont shows how much weight we put on being recognized by others and on getting the respect we deserve. Here, Lamont unpacks how “recognition” explains everything from Black Lives Matter to Make America Great Again, how storytelling is good politics, and how change agents and Gen Z contribute to defining who does—and doesn’t—get respect.
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