In this episode, Gabor Farkas talks with Sandro Cattacin, a sociology professor at the University of Geneva, about his interdisciplinary approach to research and his engagement to address vulnerabilities and injustices in society. The conversation explores the conditions that spark civic engagement that make people step beyond their individual concerns and commit to something bigger than themselves.
It considers the socio-economic factors influencing civic engagement and the role of heterogeneity and social capital in fostering a responsible and democratic society.
They discuss how history, migration, and policies of assimilation have shaped social attitudes and behaviours, referencing Norbert Elias' civilisation process and the Adam Smith paradox. The discussion also covers the impact of trust in institutions, the importance of public spaces for democracy, and examples of successful civic engagement initiatives. Cattacin emphasises the need for collaborative, innovative responses to societal challenges, especially in the context of increasing authoritarian tendencies and environmental crises.
