Palaces For The People

Palaces For The People

Adult nonfiction
"Social infrastructure is not 'social capital'--a term commonly
used to measure people's relationships and interpersonal networks--but
the physical conditions that determine whether social capital
develops. When social infrastructure is robust, it fosters contact,
mutual support, and collaboration among friends and neighbors; when
degraded, it inhibits social activity, leaving families and
individuals to fend for themselves. Social infrastructure is
crucially important, because face-to-face interactions--at the school,
the playground, and the corner diner--are the building blocks of all
public life..."
Eric Klinenberg, author of Palaces For The People, would
certainly enjoy a visit to downtown Orono, Maine. Within a small area
he'd discover a community garden where a cadre of volunteers grows
organic veggies to give to low income people; a former school that
houses a center for older people and a popular volunteer run thrift
shop; a library with programs for children and adults; the outdoor
ampitheater that is the setting for free summer concerts; a public
pool; a community building that hosts everything from plays to yoga
classes; a riverfront picnic spot; a constellation of local shops and
restaurants, and two churches. In four days Artsapalooza will turn a
wide range of venues into sites for the sharing of music, art, poetry,
and dance. In December families sing Christmas songs and sip cocoa
while awaiting Santa's arrival.
Many people think of infrastructure as just stuff like subways
and sewers. Klinenberg shows readers why social infrastructure is
equally as important. He starts the book by describing the results of
a devastating Chicago heat wave. During one week the death toll was
over 700 mortalities higher than usual. Mortality rates varied by
neighborhood, but not always in favor of the well off. Four of the
neighborhoods with the lowest mortality rates were impoverished. They
were densely populated places, rich in green spaces, community
organizations, and commercial venues.
This epiphany set Klinenberg off on a quest to discover the of
vibrant or virtually nonexistent social infrastructures. Nearly every
place he went he found the "social glue" dissolving. Factors like
class segregation, political polarization, and too much time online
are leaving people increasingly isolated and afraid.
I was really excited when I read the book. Although Klinenberg
is honest about the challenges faced by those trying to create and
maintain public spaces, he describes a number of vibrant places and
their programs. If you believe in the power of place, you'll find
Palaces For The People to be a must read.
On a personal note, this past weekend Eugene and I took a nice
afternoon ride. I really enjoyed the lilacs which are in full bloom.
Eugene got subs for supper. When we stopped at Goodwill I found myself
a long sweater, two cat shirts, and the most amazing Christmas cat one
piece pajamas ever. They even light up!!! Can you believe it?
A great big shout out goes out to Eugene who really knows how to make
me happy.
jules hathaway


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