How to fight populism? Michael Sandel on renewing the dignity of work

[@gordonjameskerr]

There is much truth in this analysis and I have always admired Professor Sandel's breadth of vision. It is perhaps important to remember that even many of those with university degrees also live in relative poverty and are unable to escape the burden of debt which crushes their aspirations.

[@adrianaauschsimmel3566]

totally agree

[@sydelcid]

Indeed, unfortunately, the rhetoric has moved. Even university degrees have created hierarchies amongst themselves and the compounded burden of debt with a spiraling cost of living inflation is pushing lots of people into relative poverty. Every innovation - solar electricity, online coursera etc - has been monetized for the top few with no benefits trickled down to the bulk of the pyramid.

[@angelmossucco]

The difference is that they generally do not turn to uninformed racism xenophobia, and misogyny as the faux cause, calling up arms against their fellow citizens.

[@busyb8676]

Great speech on the dignity of work and the 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉disappointment of the laboring class at feeling secure and appreciated. As a 94 year who has observed the changes in my country U.S.A. I would add that the expectations of both the laboring class and the college educated that their children could do as well or better has been dashed by the constant rise in the cost of living and their inability to save for the future. Added to this is the fact that corporations no longer care for their employees as they once did.The retirement plans are gone replaced by 401ks and shareholders and managers profits are primary resulting in profits for them and insecurity for the workers. We have gone backwards. Also our countries constant wars have raised our national debt incredibly with huge profits for the military industrial complex and insecurity for the rest of us. I am no longer proud to be an American as I was after World War Two. I feel we have lost our moral compass and are by driven by materialism and greed.

[@aoteifa]

Great write up but I would add that our failure of a welfare system has also helped mushroom our debt.

[@himalidealwis8555]

Thank you very much for the excellent explanation. I wish more young people should listen this conversation to understand the world around us and the duty we should do on behalf of each other.

[@maxheadrom3088]

Prof. Sandel published a book in the late 1990s predicting that because of economic changes that were happening at the time, someone like Trump could become president.

[@basketstyle1]

It would be nice with Spanish subtitles

[@isatousarr7044]

To effectively combat populism, we must start by renewing the dignity of work. This means advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and job security, which can empower individuals and strengthen communities. We should also promote pathways for skill development and continuous learning, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. By fostering an environment where work is seen as a source of pride and purpose rather than merely a means of survival, we can counter the divisive narratives often perpetuated by populist movements. Ultimately, embracing the value of work can unite us in a common cause, promoting a shared vision of prosperity that uplifts all members of society.

[@Appleblade]

In 2024, this is what 'speaking truth to power' sounds like. Nice job, Prof. Sandel.

[@enniocufino2413]

Very interesting. Most arguments are valid. Except for the exaggerated role attributed to center left and social democratic leaders and parties in determining the rise of harsh right wing populism, and for his blant critics to globalization. The crucial issue have been and are: to improve state's capacity to be more effective in regulating markets as well as regulating and directly managing all kind of public services, having clear objectives of common goods in mind. Althought those parties neither perform well in these strategies, nor they valued the significant moral issues well raised iby Stammler, it is also true that they were not the only actors in the scenario. Also did their part nostalgic of nationalism and proteccionism, leftists not aware of the improvements needed in publi services and convinced right wing ultra-liberals who intentionally worked to strengthen private services and debilitate public services.

[@bharatc.sampat6406]

Absolutely Brilliant. Brilliantly Explained. Superb

[@muhammadasifkhan4198]

Fantastic presentation.

[@thejudge3132]

I would like to hear his take today, September 2024, on democracy and how the democratic party nominated their own candidate.

[@GeraldineGeh]

Many of my friends who never got a university degree are already comfortably retired (at 55 years old) and own their own homes and have had children. I have university degree in the humanities and have spent my entire life working for 10 dollar per hour jobs and less in seven countries in North America and Asia. Never owned a home or a car, no children and no hope pension and no hope of retiring. It took years to pay off student loans. It seems Michael Sandel has never recognized the fact of unemployment and under-employment among those with university degrees.

[@robrossi1628]

I absolutely love Mr. Sandel's courses and speaches, they have helped me through life. However, I see the same thing in my line of work. I never pursued a university degree, and I was able to move up. I feel education will change to meet the demands. These universities want you sucked into debt and bury you with certain prerequisites that dont pertain to your major. It sad that others with degrees in the past have to pay the price.

[@Redactedlllllllllllll]

I don't think he said that ANY degree leads to an upper middle class life.

[@NikosKoutsilieris]

He has a solid point on the erosive social dynamics that neoliberal "meritocracy" creates. Its not a meritocracy anyway. It is a marketocracy. The.madra " there is no society , only individuals, there are no societal goals only individual goals and careers" of neoliberal thinkers like hayek ( i mention him because he is one of the most articulate) has dominated our culture for far too long. Not to mention the technocratic matrix of tons of information mixed with advertisement mania etc. The modern individual is so fragmented and out societies are spinning out of control. We bought this fairytale of the world as a happy global supermarket for much too long. Plus : even thise with university degrees are buried in debt.

[@Judihui12]

I still regret that I wasn't there at this event but a few hundred meters away at the theater (and a bad play). I admire Michael Sandel since I followed his Justice-course here on KZbin. But thank you for putting the video of the event up here.

[@katebaran9]

Great speech ❤

[@virendrapratapsingh2270]

Great ❤❤❤🎉

[@robrossi1628]

Back in the 80's and 90's, work and stature could be based on a University you received a degree from. But today, a university education is dead. The democrats continuously fail to see that. I dont want free education, i want a tax break for the work i do. Republicans understand that. I love Mr. Sandels speeches and courses, but this one is dated. Both parties have significant flaws that were not discussed. All politics need reform. They are leaving a negative impact in our society.

[@sirmakonza]

Insightful lecture. Thank you

[@Ismail.Valiyakath.]

I like Mr. Michel Sandel's Speeches toomuch. God bless you Sir.

[@komalsadotra]

He is pointing out to rise of far right because of erosion of support for centre left...but we must also think if the far right has some populism of its own A well articulated lecture though

[@bernardzsikla5640]

I very much enjoyed this lecture and agreed for the most part with Mr. Sandel perspective. I had one issue with the lecture. 1) Meritocracy really is the only sociological system that has even a fragment of fairness built in. The rest is a proto Marxian view of universal equality for all humans and historically, those attempts have not worked out as advertised. Nothing or no one is entitled to any fragment of equality in existence. From the simplest form of life to arguably, humans. Every lifeform has been extremely fortunate to even exist. The rest we all must fight for. Every life form is in a mortal battle for existence. None of us should ever forget this. We seem isolated from this fact, but the reality is just out of view for most humans.

[@craigb4913]

Agree. I find the assault on meritocracy appalling. The meritocratic ideal will always come up short. But the alternatives like "equity," meaning equal results for all, has never worked and is the cause & effect of tyranny.

[@minoramare5829]

Brilliant explanation ❤

[@saimaazmat9271]

I salute you, Sir :)

[@Pinstripe0451]

Sandel is my hero.

[@Wo8910]

One of the main values of populists in USA is hard work

[@alexdountchev]

Extremely wise!

[@FizuliAbilov]

Lavrentiy Beria , the manager of USSR nuc project was a school teacher of physics

[@ChannelMath]

Why would anyone say they are against "populism"? That's like pro-choice people accepting the label of "anti-life". You're literally saying you are against the general public. It's an inherently elitist thing to say. Say you're against "fascism", which, afaict, is the same as "right-wing populism"

[@colindant3410]

I vehemently disagree with the use of the pejorative word 'populist'. If what the MAJORITY of the electorate want are policies which they believe will act in their best interests, then so be it. This is democracy at work.

[@Jorbz150]

Everybody disagrees with democratically decided ideas sometimes, and we shouldn't support things we think are wrong, but I agree that the euphemisms aren't helpful. Some people talk as if a vote only counts if its the correct vote, but that completely ruins the entire point of democracy.

[@lestergolden9362]

The % of people who have the right to grow old in the same world they grew up in is a very simple number: zero.

[@ahmedjilani9410]

I do not know if my message will find attention of honorable Mr. Sandel, after listening to this complicated situation of neo liberal side effects and globalization we have another factor of automation/virtuality and now the AI revolution as of 2022. If we can have this added to analysis to the value contribution of future work? Will we need a community if the work is not required for a sizable population as this can be replaced at a ever accelerating pace in this new age and era.

[@AdenwalaM]

Thank you for a wonderful talk. What I wonder is, whether such political discourse as seems to be necessary for a healthy society to emerge and persist and prosper, there is an underlying assumption of homogeneity? Can we rise above our biases - that almost seem inbuilt - and create a fair society? Can we accommodate substantial differences in the age of globalization? We may not want to lose the economic benefits of globalization and at the same time we want to remain a closely-knit society, is that possible?

[@benjamingeorgecoles8060]

The story he tells explaining the rise of Trump and Brexit and so on sounds very plausible to me, but I wish he's given just a little more empirical evidence in support of it. Otherwise, a great lecture - beautifully clear and well-structured and big-hearted, as always with this wonderful man.

[@fafilam6490]

Thank you sir 👍 Great speech and good work I hopp that oll people unterstand your message 🙏

[@spacelion6318]

It's inevitable in a democracy. Progression

[@yozimerio]

Interesting how Mr. Mandel mentions Mises, one of the main enemies of Marx, who placed work at the center of his analysis and the working class at the center of the revolutionary struggle. Then came people like Mises to tell us that everything revolves around subjective wants and desires. The moral and ethical consequences of this are what we're suffering today.

[@richardnunziata3221]

karl polanyi double movement is revisited will it have the same outcome as it did in late 1930s

[@JavierBonillaC]

Negative income tax, like Milton Friedman used to propose. Because you don't want the death of all meritocracy.

[@LibertyScott-x6i]

Who doesn’t respect sanitation workers? Or road workers? Not me. I am thankful- I suppose women have something in common with the sanitation worker- being told who or what is our contribution. Had a man who had multiple degrees and his contribution to work was to tell me- his boss- he had to go to the doctor because he got a UTI from jacking off to much. Not sure what his contribution to the workplace was?

[@RobertIanAlexander]

AOC are you listening? These are answers to your future Presidency or Speaker of the House or Senate majority leadership. You of all people should understand his argument.

[@LibertyScott-x6i]

Condescending attitudes from those with multiple degrees- grant writers who tell you repeatedly you are incapable to write because you don’t have a phd.

[@marcosaurelio176]

BRÉSIL ❤

[@patrickvernon4766]

He thinks it’s an aesthetics battle. No, liberalism is oligarchy

[@devoradamaris]

Thank🫂YOU ‼️‼️

[@ChannelMath]

If there were a functioning meritocracy, I'd be more sympathetic to it. But that kind of talk is for the propagandists and "intellectuals". If you read business or management magazines or advice on climbing the corporate ladder, nobody there pretends we have a meritocracy. And I think we should stop lying to kids that there is one.

[@tristanvanberkom]

Micheal Sandel, you are so famous for being a deep thinker, such a truly great mind. I’m so, so disappointed to hear your opening statements, being so one sided and demonizing trump… I will continue to watch this video and hope that you bring things to something thoughtful and balanced as we all know you are so capable of. And I will revisit, again, your life’s achievement IMO “what is justice”, because, regardless of whether you have decided to be a spokesperson for a “side”, I know you are capable of more and I will remember you for your greatness rather than your shortcomings.

[@tristanvanberkom]

Meritocracy never promised that “you can make it if you try”, that is a ridiculous premise. Rather, “you MIGHT make it if your try”, and “otherwise you are screwed” is more accurate. Nobody is entitled to ANYTHING. I feel like people want to discuss these topics in terms of “aught” rather than “is”, but who cares about “aught” ? What good does idealistic thinking do anyone ? We should use our intellect productively to interpret what “is”, and not waste our time in chasing what “aught”. “Aught” might be a decent thought experiment, however we should make it clear, and statements such as “meritocracy promised that you can make it if you try” are not helpful at all.

[@Redactedlllllllllllll]

​@tristanvanberkom you never yell your children what they "ought" to do, based on what "is"? There is a threat to the system, people will lash out eventually, never goes well. He's suggesting an "ought" based on what "is", but you dont have to worry because human beings have rarely done what they "ought", will be interesting to see what walls we run into together.

[@janlefevre]

It is relevant because "what is" is the result of what "was" and how it "ought" to be. What ought to be can be made into being.

[@MrYorickJenkins]

"that ugliness and the peril it poses.....strikes us so prodoundly that it can also distract us from asking.. Nothing we offer working people..." The irony of his words is that this allusion to "we" which he keeps using is evidence of the very upper class hubris which he higlights! Astonishing too that an obviously intelligent person like this could regard Biden with anything other than dismay and contempt. "Has to address a widespread sense of disempowerment". There is an underlying condescaneding tone of this professor claiming to be concerned about the under priviledged yet while doing so continuting to regard those not at his level of achievement as inherently "not us". Of course superior professors like this determine what grievances are legitmate (his word) and which grievances are not legitmate. Michael Sandel is an example of the very hubris he warns about. He states that only 30% of US citizens have university degree and does not dream of himself addressing the 70%. His audience will remain the 30% and those from the priviledged class who do address the 70% will continue to be dismissed as "populist". The "Phoney-Tony" Blair quotation-"questioning globalisation is like questioning whether winter autumn should follow winter" is ironical given that globalists are busy working on ways of changing world climates. Having said all that, I think his intellectual concern is genuine and his comment sabout people's sense of being themselve obsolescent is spot on. I don't think that so-called "progressive" parties will give a hoot about people being recognised and honoured for contributing to the common good and the dignity of labour. Has Michael Sandel not even heard of the World Economic Forum ? The Blidebergers? Doesnt he know that the globalists have "progressive parties" in their pocket and have no intention of following the kind of "political agenda" which he is advocating here?

[@pradeeppandey7228]

🙏🙏🙏

[@JessyP-u6q]

Copenhagen

[@whatsdoin2392]

Meritocracy assures us that we have the most competent physicians, lawyers and other professionals. It does not signify that these professionals may be filled with hubris only their competency is relevant. Otherwise we all look like Cuba, Russia or China where "success" is not a function of competency but of favor with the regime.

[@richg2881]

Nope! Your model of human behavior is too narrow and over simplistic.

[@HelenBrown-s1j]

Taylor Jessica Taylor Larry Young Barbara

[@santaclaus0815]

Sandels diagnosis is identical to Slavoj Zizeks and Sahra Wagenknechts. The moderate left and greens also stand for modern feminism which is a problem: modern feminism doesn't help the women of the lower class and damages the lifes of the men of the lower class. That's one of the most important reason why lower class people don't vote left anymore. The first victim of right-wing populism in Europe was the UK, not because of feminism but because globalization was destroying British industry. The industry was bought up by Chinese and German competitors or simply shut down which causes unemployment and hurting national pride. Right-wing populism resulted in Brexit and after many years of economic decline, the public (and the political left) has finally understood the direction the future must take. The majority of continental Europe is not that far along yet (possible exception: Poland) but still has this valley of right-wing populist economic destruction ahead of them.

[@findbridge1790]

vacuous bankers' puppet, THIS is the big ethics guy? LOL

[@chrismac2234]

Populism is called a democracy

[@muhammadasifkhan4198]

Sir, please explain, how extent,Marxism is relevant to cope with inequality presently.

[@jennyhirschowitz1999]

Read!

[@ox8833]

I am so tired of hearing “far right” former presidents Trump is nothing far right. At all

[@NineInchTyrone]

Populism is good. Contra elitism

[@marwar819]

I like this professor but... he is not politically balanced in his opinions. He is a voice-piece for the Dems. Always that into consideration, folks. And, that he teaches is a liberal college. Libs have captured higher education. Scary.

[@Redactedlllllllllllll]

Interesting take.

[@komalsadotra]

Why should he be balanced all the time...he should be balanced when he engages with his students in the classroom. But personally everyone will have one or the other opinion! In this long seminar he is presenting his personal views After all when you go to vote there is no button for 'balanced'- you have to take a side...specially in America when there are only 2 parties, not even a third one