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

Michael Sandel spoke at an event organised by the Karl Renner Institute in Vienna on 18 January 2024.
He talked about the dark side of meritocracy: how the erosion of the dignity of work has created the anger and frustration from which right-wing populist movements around the world draw their strength.
Michael Sandel teaches political philosophy at Harvard University and is one of the most respected moral philosophers of our time. His works have been translated into 27 languages, and his course “Justice - what’s the right thing to do” has been watched by tens of millions of people on KZbin.
Kapitelwahl:
00:42 Gründe für den Zuspruch zu Populist:innen wie Trump
10:56 Die Schattenseite der Leistungsgesellschaft
20:41 Neoliberale Globalisierung und Demokratie
29:15 Die Würde der Arbeit erneuern
45:00 Öffentliche Debatten wiederbeleben
www.renner-institut.at

[@Ismail.Valiyakath.]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Appleblade]

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

[@katebaran9]

Great speech ❤

[@virendrapratapsingh2270]

Great ❤❤❤🎉

[@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.

[@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.

[@Pinstripe6666]

Sandel is my hero.

[@pradeeppandey7228]

🙏🙏🙏

[@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.

[@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.