Respect in a World of Inequality

Exploring the themes of respect and social responsibility, Richard Sennett reflects on his upbringing in Chicago's Cabrini Green housing project and critiques the impact of inequality on relationships. He identifies three key factors that erode mutual respect: unequal ability, adult dependency, and degrading compassion. Sennett advocates for a welfare system rooted in respect and emphasizes nurturing self-worth in an unequal society. Rather than eliminating inequality, he envisions a humane meritocracy that fosters connections and values the potential in everyone.