09 October 2018, 17:30 - 19:00
Blavatnik School of Government, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, OX2 6GG
Open to the public
This event is free – register to attend

Join sociologist Eric Klinenberg for a discussion of his new book, Palaces for the People: How to Build a More Equal and Unified Society

The discussion will be chaired by Anandi Mani, Professor of Behavioural Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. 

The talk will be followed by a drinks reception and book signing.

The talk will be livestreamed and recorded on the Blavatnik School of Government YouTube channel.

About the book

Palaces for the People book cover

How can we bring people together? In Palaces for the People the sociologist and best-selling author Eric Klinenberg presents a simple but transformative idea for health, happiness, safety and healing our divided, unequal society. 

Too often we take for granted and neglect our libraries, parks, markets, schools, playgrounds, gardens and communal spaces, but decades of research now shows that these places can have an extraordinary effect on our personal and collective wellbeing. Why? Because wherever people cross paths and linger, wherever we gather informally, strike up a conversation and get to know one another, relationships blossom and communities emerge – and where communities are strong, people are safer and healthier, crime drops and commerce thrives, and peace, tolerance and stability take root. Through uplifting human stories and an illuminating tour through the science of social connection, Palaces for the People shows that properly designing and maintaining this ‘social infrastructure’ might be our single best strategy for a more equal and united society.

About the author

Eric Klinenberg is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Institute of Public Knowledge at New York University. His pioneering research into the power of social infrastructure led to his appointment in 2013 as Research Director for President Obama's $1 billion programme to rebuild the region affected by Superstorm Sandy. He is the multi-award winning author of several books including, as co-author, the recent number one bestseller Modern Romance.
 

Recording from the event