Institution

The pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness of institutions and human life, emphasizing that institutions are essential for preserving life and that human life is not merely about survival but also about desires, choices, passions, and projects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

The pandemic has underscored the profound interconnectedness between institutions and human existence, highlighting the crucial role that institutions play in safeguarding and preserving life during times of crisis. As the virus posed a significant threat to human well-being, individuals turned to governments, health systems, and new behavioral norms to combat its spread and protect lives.

Drawing from various examples, Roberto Esposito contends that institutions and human life are not opposing forces but rather two interconnected aspects of a unified whole. Together, they define the essence of institutions and the power of life to create and shape them.

Life, according to Esposito, cannot be reduced to mere survival or "bare life." It encompasses a broader realm of desires, choices, passions, and projects. At a certain point, human life becomes institutionalized, integrating into the intricate web of relations that constitute social, political, and cultural life.

This institutionalization process is not a one-way street. Institutions also influence and shape human life, shaping individuals' experiences, behaviors, and opportunities. For instance, social institutions such as families, communities, and educational systems provide a foundation for personal development, socialization, and the transmission of values and knowledge.

Moreover, economic institutions play a vital role in determining individuals' livelihoods, access to resources, and opportunities for growth. They shape the distribution of wealth, the creation of jobs, and the overall economic well-being of societies.

In conclusion, the pandemic has illuminated the inseparable relationship between institutions and human life. Institutions provide the framework and resources for individuals to thrive, while human life gives meaning and purpose to institutions. Understanding this interconnectedness is essential for building resilient and sustainable societies that can navigate the challenges of the 21st century.

Weight: 176g
Dimension: 215 x 141 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509551569