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The Crisis of Connection: Roots, Consequences, and Solutions
Uncovers the roots and consequences of and offers solutions to the widespread alienation and disconnection that beset modern society
Since the beginning of the 21st century, people have become increasingly disconnected from themselves, each other, and the world around them. A “crisis of connection” stemming from growing alienation, social isolation, and fragmentation characterizes modern society. The signs of this crisis of connection are everywhere, from decreasing levels of empathy and trust, to burgeoning cases of suicide, depression and loneliness. The astronomical rise in inequality around the world has contributed to the critical nature of this moment.
To delve into the heart of the crisis, leading researchers and practitioners draw from the science of human connection to tell a five-part story about its roots, consequences, and solutions. In doing so, they reveal how we, in modern society, have been captive to a false story about who we are as human. This false narrative that takes individualism as a universal truth, has contributed to many of the problems that we currently face. The new story now emerging from across the human sciences underscores our social and emotional capacities and needs. The science also reveals the ways in which the privileging of the self over relationships and of individual success over the common good as well as the perpetuation of dehumanizing stereotypes have led to a crisis of connection that is now widespread. Finally, the practitioners in the volume present concrete solutions that show ways we can create a more just and humane world.
In a time of social distancing and enforced isolation, it is more important than ever to find ways to bridge the gaps among individuals and communities. The Crisis of Connection illuminates concrete pathways to enhancing our awareness of our common humanity, and offers important steps to coming together in unity, even across distances.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, people have become increasingly disconnected from themselves, each other, and the world around them. A “crisis of connection” stemming from growing alienation, social isolation, and fragmentation characterizes modern society. The signs of this crisis of connection are everywhere, from decreasing levels of empathy and trust, to burgeoning cases of suicide, depression and loneliness. The astronomical rise in inequality around the world has contributed to the critical nature of this moment.
To delve into the heart of the crisis, leading researchers and practitioners draw from the science of human connection to tell a five-part story about its roots, consequences, and solutions. In doing so, they reveal how we, in modern society, have been captive to a false story about who we are as human. This false narrative that takes individualism as a universal truth, has contributed to many of the problems that we currently face. The new story now emerging from across the human sciences underscores our social and emotional capacities and needs. The science also reveals the ways in which the privileging of the self over relationships and of individual success over the common good as well as the perpetuation of dehumanizing stereotypes have led to a crisis of connection that is now widespread. Finally, the practitioners in the volume present concrete solutions that show ways we can create a more just and humane world.
In a time of social distancing and enforced isolation, it is more important than ever to find ways to bridge the gaps among individuals and communities. The Crisis of Connection illuminates concrete pathways to enhancing our awareness of our common humanity, and offers important steps to coming together in unity, even across distances.
544 pages, Hardcover
Published August 21, 2018
27 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 25, 2020
I found many of the chapters in this book a bit light on evidence for my taste. Somehow I hungered for many more quotes from participants and found a good number of the articles slightly overly theoretical, strangely narrative, and, unfortunately, self-congratulatory. Still, I tried to avoid being off-put by this and succeeded in large part. These are worthy, hopeful thoughts that reflect very fine work being done in schools and communities.
I particularly appreciated Mary Gordon's contribution as well as the concept of structurally competent research laid out in Chapter 8. The concept of "de-cruiting" seemed worthy to me, though a red flag was raised when I read that the language of Shakespeare was "foreign" to veterans. Certainly, Shakespeare's language is relatively difficult, but in the context of a chapter that makes a point of explicitly acknowledging the superiority of "victims'" expertise over that of researchers, this assertion seemed to me to reveal bias just under the surface -- though at least one of the two authors is himself a veteran.
I could have done without the religious final chapter, which was not scholarly and seemed out of place.
Overall, a bit hand-holdy, but also with some excellent thoughts and resources for further reading, programs, and contacts that can surely be of use to teachers and community workers.
I particularly appreciated Mary Gordon's contribution as well as the concept of structurally competent research laid out in Chapter 8. The concept of "de-cruiting" seemed worthy to me, though a red flag was raised when I read that the language of Shakespeare was "foreign" to veterans. Certainly, Shakespeare's language is relatively difficult, but in the context of a chapter that makes a point of explicitly acknowledging the superiority of "victims'" expertise over that of researchers, this assertion seemed to me to reveal bias just under the surface -- though at least one of the two authors is himself a veteran.
I could have done without the religious final chapter, which was not scholarly and seemed out of place.
Overall, a bit hand-holdy, but also with some excellent thoughts and resources for further reading, programs, and contacts that can surely be of use to teachers and community workers.
March 25, 2020
Wow. What a read. This took me three months. The only reason it's not getting 5 stars is because it's more of a textbook than anything else (which is why it took so long to get through...)
This book explores the crisis of connection - that we live in a world devoid of interpersonal empathic connections due to various social constructs. Each chapter is dedicated towards a different topic - black stereotypes, toxic masculinity, immigration policy, slut shaming - and explores how these ideas damage our ability to connect. Are boys and men stifled emotionally by the socialization that they are supposed to be 'strong,' 'emotionless,' 'independent'...? Do immigrants struggle with a lack of identity and self-worth because of constantly being labeled as "other" or "alien" by the place they deemed home? The book then outlines beautiful projects on school and communal levels to counter these negative constructs and form bonds between one another.
An incredible work describing the damage of patriarchal laws and constructs. The chapters empower the reader to question the ways we were socialized and join the fight in shifting how we think and feel about people different than ourselves.
"The opposite of patriarchy is democracy...The goal...is to create a society that is premised on the fundamental humanness of all and work towards articulating and recognizing that humanity" (46)
This book explores the crisis of connection - that we live in a world devoid of interpersonal empathic connections due to various social constructs. Each chapter is dedicated towards a different topic - black stereotypes, toxic masculinity, immigration policy, slut shaming - and explores how these ideas damage our ability to connect. Are boys and men stifled emotionally by the socialization that they are supposed to be 'strong,' 'emotionless,' 'independent'...? Do immigrants struggle with a lack of identity and self-worth because of constantly being labeled as "other" or "alien" by the place they deemed home? The book then outlines beautiful projects on school and communal levels to counter these negative constructs and form bonds between one another.
An incredible work describing the damage of patriarchal laws and constructs. The chapters empower the reader to question the ways we were socialized and join the fight in shifting how we think and feel about people different than ourselves.
"The opposite of patriarchy is democracy...The goal...is to create a society that is premised on the fundamental humanness of all and work towards articulating and recognizing that humanity" (46)
November 7, 2019
A brilliant and important book that explores the structural factors that are contributing to our collective sense of disconnect and that offers a series of creative and proven community-based solutions for rebuilding social connectedness and social trust. It took me a couple of months to read this one, but only because I wanted to take time to savour all its wisdom. Highly recommended for anyone who is passionate about building community in a compassionate and sustainable way.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews