Seeing Others: How to Redefine Worth in a Divided World

Michèle Lamont argues that we should move our focus from having to being, and that we will only heal ourselves by the power of recognition. She suggests that new narratives are essential to shifting our metrics of success to focus on respect and dignity, and that Seeing Others offers a powerful, sociological alternative to recent economic and psychological thinking.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

From internationally renowned sociologist Michèle Lamont, a game-changing argument about what we value and why:

How do we measure our self-worth? For many of us, it signifies accomplishment, self-reliance, and wealth. Decades of neoliberalism have driven our definition of success. Yet, as we have amassed more achievements, we have been overwhelmed and overworked in a world of growing inequality. Should we start judging others, and ourselves, differently?

In this capstone work, acclaimed sociologist Michèle Lamont argues that it is time to move our focus from having to being. We will only heal ourselves by the power of recognition: by rendering others visible and valued. By drawing on nearly forty years of research and interviews, as well as new interviews with Gen Z, change agents, and cultural icons who intentionally practice and promote recognition, she shows how new narratives are essential to shifting our metrics of success to focus on respect and dignity.

Seeing Others fills a gaping hole left by recent economic and psychological thinking, with its focus on nudging, grit, and constant striving, offering a powerful, sociological alternative. This book is a clarion call: it strikes at the heart of our struggles and illuminates an inclusive path forward.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 241 x 165 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241454633