PDF Summary:Them, by Ben Sasse

In his book Them, Ben Sasse examines the disintegration of social bonds and community cohesion in modern-day America. He argues that although the nation has achieved immense material prosperity, individuals increasingly feel isolated and disconnected from one another due to the erosion of traditional structures like faith-based gatherings and local organizations.

Sasse explores how transformations in the labor market, the rise of polarizing media outlets, and the influence of foreign disinformation campaigns have deepened societal divisions and undermined our collective sense of belonging. He posits that these trends ultimately diminish mutual understanding and obstruct the formation of meaningful relationships between diverse groups within society.

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The metamorphosis of employment and its influence on personal identity, sense of belonging, and communal ties

Sasse argues that the nature of employment is fundamentally changing as a result of advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and the expansion of the gig economy. The shift in the character of employment is reshaping not only our means of earning but also deeply influencing our sense of self, our relationships with others, and our place in the wider world. As conventional career trajectories change, so too do the social structures associated with them, leading to new challenges and opportunities in building a sense of belonging within our communities.

The ascent of the gig economy and the progress of digital automation are rapidly transforming the traditional pathways and practices of professional life, leading to considerable upheaval.

Sasse explores how swift technological progress is transforming various sectors within the American economy. He cites the major transformations in agriculture and industry as examples of how technological progress can dramatically increase productivity while also diminishing the demand for human workers. The author suggests that we are entering a new epoch following the industrial period, characterized by the emergence of automation and artificial intelligence, which are beginning to jeopardize positions previously considered stable, such as those in transportation and logistics sectors. He explores the potential consequences of these shifts, particularly for those in broader roles, who face the danger of becoming redundant in a marketplace progressively dominated by advances in technology.

Regular changes in job trajectories and brief stints of employment make it difficult for employees to achieve a sense of professional satisfaction or to establish meaningful relationships with their colleagues.

Sasse contends that the current economic climate, with its emphasis on adaptability and niche expertise, results in more frequent job transitions and a greater number of career shifts for numerous individuals. Nowadays, workers are frequently encouraged to pursue a range of career paths instead of dedicating themselves to long-term service with a single employer, a stark departure from earlier norms. While it boosts economic flexibility, it also makes carving out a distinct and robust career path more challenging. Sasse contends that the absence of stability hampers the development of meaningful relationships with coworkers, thereby eroding an essential foundation for communal ties and collective objectives.

Practical Tips

• Create a career satisfaction journal to track your feelings and experiences in each job role. Start by jotting down what you enjoy and what you find challenging about your current position. Over time, this can help you identify patterns in what contributes to your professional satisfaction, allowing you to make more informed decisions about future job changes.
• Develop a 'career adaptability plan' that outlines steps to take when considering a job change. This plan should include updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, continuous learning through online courses or workshops, networking strategies, and a financial plan to support you during a transition. Having a clear plan can reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with career changes.
• Network with professionals from diverse fields to expand your career opportunities. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with individuals in industries you're interested in. Engage with their content, ask insightful questions, and seek informational interviews to learn about different career paths. This can open doors to opportunities you might not have considered within your current career trajectory.
• You can start a "Skill Swap" group with friends or colleagues to exchange expertise in different areas. Create a casual, regular meetup where each person teaches something they're skilled at, while learning from others. This could range from digital skills to home DIY, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.
• Start a side project that aligns with your interests but also has potential economic value. This could be anything from an online store selling handmade goods to a blog about industry insights. The key is to choose something that not only interests you but also has the potential to generate income or develop into a career opportunity if your primary job becomes unstable.
• Create a "Stability Buddy" system at work where you pair up with a coworker to check in on each other's well-being and work progress weekly. This can foster a sense of stability and accountability, as you both become familiar anchors for each other amidst workplace changes. For example, set a recurring 15-minute meeting every Monday to discuss the upcoming week's goals and any support you might need from each other.
• You can foster stability in your neighborhood by starting a 'Fix-It' group to address communal property repairs. Gather a few neighbors to collectively identify and fix small issues in shared spaces, like loose fence boards or graffiti. This not only improves the physical environment but also strengthens community bonds as people work together towards a common goal.

The dwindling number of positions in industry and the vanishing opportunities for physical work have diminished the sense of community and reduced many workers' sense of importance.

Sasse delves into the decline of manufacturing and the fading of conventional "blue collar" positions, which has resulted in a pervasive feeling of purposelessness among many American laborers. He contends that such employment, while frequently strenuous, fostered a collective sense of belonging and mutual support. The manufacturing plants that served as the foundation for many towns are closing, leaving behind a void where they once operated. Sasse acknowledges the challenges posed by these shifts and emphasizes the need for strategies and programs that provide retraining and support to individuals without employment, helping them find meaningful new roles in the evolving economy.

Other Perspectives

• The assumption that purpose is predominantly derived from one's job may overlook the multifaceted nature of purpose, which can also be fulfilled through family, hobbies, education, and community involvement outside of work.
• The concept of a void assumes that nothing can replace manufacturing, but history shows that economies are constantly evolving, and new industries can emerge to fill gaps left by the old.
• The effectiveness of retraining programs is often limited by the mismatch between the skills taught and the demands of the evolving job market.
• The decline of certain industries may actually lead to the revitalization of communities as they diversify their economies and reduce reliance on single industries, potentially leading to a more sustainable and resilient sense of community.
• The concept of importance in work is subjective and can vary greatly among individuals; some may find a sense of importance in roles outside of traditional industry positions.

Changes in job market patterns contribute to the weakening of the traditional family unit and other essential social constructs.

Sasse argues that the transformation in the way we work is eroding the traditional family structure, a change that has profound consequences for the societal structure. Previously, a career with one employer provided families with a sense of stability and a shared purpose. The increasing instability and dispersion of job opportunities have introduced new challenges for families, including a surge in households headed by a single parent and a weakening of familial ties, which in turn erodes the social fabric that unites local communities.

An increase in the number of people living alone and the frequency of relocating has resulted in weaker ties within families and communities.

Sasse argues that the current economic need for increased relocation is weakening family ties and reducing the robustness of community relationships. Workers often relocate to various regions seeking better opportunities, a trend that separates them from family members and reduces the likelihood of shared experiences and communal support. The rise in solitary living, driven by changes in the economy, alterations in societal norms, and delays in marriage, has consequently weakened the ties within families and communities. Drawing from his own experiences as a consultant, where frequent relocations were a regular part of the job, Sasse underscores the challenges of maintaining connections and fostering a feeling of belonging in a work setting marked by constant transitions and extensive geographical spread.

Other Perspectives

• Economic needs for increased relocation can also strengthen family ties as members may become more intentional about maintaining connections across distances, utilizing technology to stay in touch.
• The trend of seeking better opportunities elsewhere can sometimes lead to increased financial stability for workers and their families, which can, in turn, provide a different kind of support and shared benefit.
• The assumption that solitary living weakens community ties overlooks the potential for individuals to engage more deeply in local social activities, volunteering, and community-building efforts as they have more time to dedicate to these pursuits.
• Companies are increasingly aware of the importance of community and belonging, leading to the implementation of strategies designed to help employees maintain connections and feel part of a community, even in geographically spread out settings.

The lack of shared work experiences and lasting connections undermines an essential aspect of identity and community for many people throughout the United States.

The publication authored by Sasse demonstrates that, throughout history, a considerable portion of the American populace has derived their sense of identity and belonging through shared experiences and the cultivation of relationships within their professional environments. He recounts personal anecdotes about his father, a high school coach, whose identity and sense of purpose were deeply intertwined with his work in the community. Sasse argues that as jobs become more transient and less connected to specific places, workers are losing this crucial source of meaning and belonging. Sasse argues that the nature of employment is transforming from a constant element that forms a person's sense of self to a varied collection of tasks performed for various employers in different places, contrasting his own lifelong commitment to one career with the contemporary trend of frequently changing between various jobs. The changing nature of work lessens our sense of stability and undermines our understanding of our place within the wider scheme.

Context

• The shift from manufacturing to a service-based economy has led to more temporary and gig-based employment, reducing long-term job stability and community ties.
• Sociologists have long studied how work influences social structures and individual identities, noting that changes in employment patterns can significantly alter community dynamics.
• Younger generations may prioritize different values, such as work-life balance and diverse experiences, over long-term job stability, influencing the job market dynamics.
• Advances in technology have enabled remote work and digital nomadism, allowing people to work from anywhere. This flexibility can lead to a more transient work life, as individuals are not tied to a specific location or employer.
• In the past, it was common for individuals to spend their entire careers with a single company, often starting in entry-level positions and working their way up. This was particularly true in the mid-20th century when job stability was more prevalent, and loyalty between employers and employees was emphasized.
• Traditional support systems, such as unions and professional organizations, have weakened, reducing advocacy and protection for workers in unstable job environments.

The escalation of polarizing media within the political sphere and its impact on the cohesion of society and our collective spirit.

Sasse argues that the rise of media outlets focused on political partisanship is fragmenting the nation, as these entities utilize a business strategy that relies heavily on stirring up outrage. He warns that we are increasingly prioritizing superficial bonds formed through political affiliations over the cultivation of genuine connections within our local communities. This predicament not only reduces our capacity for meaningful dialogue, but it also leaves individuals vulnerable to the exploitative strategies of harmful organizations, both domestic and foreign, that seek to exploit these divisions.

The diminishing confidence in democratic establishments and the press can be attributed in part to the fusion of politics with entertainment, as well as a revenue model that thrives on stoking outrage.

Sasse explores the way in which the blending of current events coverage with amusement has thrived by deepening societal divides and fueling political animosity. He argues that digital venues designed for news dissemination and social engagement are increasingly promoting sensational material and the accumulation of political capital, emphasizing constant updates and sharp, immediate analysis. The constant emphasis on discord and disagreement erodes confidence in media organizations and diminishes the collective understanding of truth that is essential for a robust democratic society.

Media outlets frequently prioritize crafting dramatic material and achieving ideological victories over ensuring precise reportage and unbiased examination.

Sasse contends that numerous media organizations have forsaken the quest for impartiality and equilibrium, opting to produce material that aligns with the preconceived notions of their specific viewership. He contends that the constant churn of news narratives, combined with an intense competition for viewership, promotes a style of journalism that is often overstated and sensationalized. Complex issues are reduced to overly simplistic terms, providing little room for nuance or differing perspectives. Sasse emphasizes that journalists and commentators frequently reinforce their preconceived narratives, at times disregarding or misrepresenting facts that diverge from their favored perspectives.

Practical Tips

• Diversify your news sources to challenge your perspective by regularly selecting media outlets with differing editorial stances. This can help you recognize biases and develop a more balanced understanding of issues. For example, if you typically read a conservative-leaning publication, try reading a liberal-leaning one to compare the coverage of the same event.
• Engage in 'slow news' days where you deliberately avoid checking news updates for set periods, such as a full day or a weekend. Use this time to reflect on the information you've already consumed and its impact on your thoughts and emotions. This break from the constant news cycle can help you develop a more measured and less reactive relationship with news, fostering a healthier information diet.
• Engage in role reversal by writing a brief summary of a news event from a perspective you disagree with. This exercise helps you understand the construction of narratives and the selection of facts that support different viewpoints. By doing this, you might gain insight into why certain facts are highlighted over others and how this affects the overall narrative presented to the public.

Selective coverage and "nutpicking" of extreme views reinforce tribalism and mutual demonization across partisan lines.

Sasse criticizes media outlets for highlighting the most outrageous or scandalous comments made by a person as a way to inaccurately portray a larger group or movement. He contends that this tactic is commonly employed by political factions, where progressive media typically concentrate on lesser-known right-wing personalities, while conservative channels reciprocate by giving attention to marginal left-wing individuals. This type of reporting perpetuates clichés, vilifies those with dissenting views, and solidifies the divisive mindset prevalent in today's political conversations.

Other Perspectives

• Selective coverage of extreme views can sometimes bring necessary attention to fringe ideas that are gaining traction and could pose a real threat if left unexamined.
• Highlighting extreme comments can serve as a form of accountability, ensuring that public figures are held responsible for their words and the influence those words may have.
• It could be pointed out that progressive media also provides coverage of mainstream and influential right-wing figures, not just lesser-known personalities, as part of their broader political and social coverage.
• It could be argued that conservative channels focus on extreme cases from the left to highlight what they perceive as inconsistencies or hypocrisies within the broader left-wing ideology.
• Some argue that the media has a responsibility to report on all aspects of a movement or group, including its more extreme elements, as a part of thorough journalism and public transparency.
• Some audiences may be discerning enough to recognize "nutpicking" as a tactic and not allow it to influence their overall perception of a political group, thus not contributing to a divisive mindset.

Foreign entities exploiting social media platforms deepen divisions within society and undermine the cohesion that unites our communities.

Sasse cautions that nations such as Russia and China are deliberately taking advantage of the existing rifts within the American media environment to intensify skepticism and discord. He argues that these hostile actors are deploying sophisticated online strategies, including social media manipulation and the dissemination of disinformation, to undermine American democracy and weaken national cohesion.

The emergence of "deepfakes" and disinformation campaigns endangers our collective understanding of truth and objectivity.

Sasse expresses concern over the escalating intricacy of efforts to spread false information, highlighting advanced tools like "deepfakes" that obscure the distinction between genuine and fabricated material. Sasse argues that the spread of highly persuasive manipulated videos might erode trust in media entities and democratic structures, leading to skepticism among the electorate regarding the authenticity of information and the dependability of the origins of that information. He warns that deliberately disseminating misinformation aimed at specific groups or communities can escalate tensions within society and may incite violent behavior.

Other Perspectives

• Focusing on the negative aspects of deepfakes could overshadow the potential positive uses of this technology, such as in entertainment, art, and education, where it can be used responsibly to enhance experiences and learning.
• Trust in media and democratic institutions has been challenged by various factors over time, and "deepfakes" might not significantly exacerbate this trend compared to other forms of misinformation.
• The concern about skepticism might be overestimated if educational initiatives and media literacy programs effectively equip people to recognize and understand manipulated content.
• While misinformation can indeed escalate tensions, it is not the sole factor that leads to violent behavior; complex social, economic, and political conditions also play a significant role.

The diminishing role of community news sources and the emergence of national media with pronounced political leanings have diminished common frames of reference and weakened the feeling of community connectedness.

Sasse laments the diminishing role of local journalism, which has traditionally played a key role in fostering a sense of unity and shared comprehension within communities. Local news sources are struggling to stay afloat as they face fierce competition from major media corporations and online platforms, leading to a reduced availability of community-specific news and viewpoints. Sasse argues that this inclination leads to a homogeneity in how the media reports news, which in turn intensifies political rifts across the country and makes it more challenging for people to encounter diverse perspectives and forge bonds across varied social groups.

Other Perspectives

• Local journalism may not always foster unity if it disproportionately represents certain segments of the community while marginalizing others, potentially exacerbating divisions rather than creating shared comprehension.
• Local news sources have opportunities to leverage online platforms to expand their reach and engage with a broader audience, potentially offsetting the competition from major media corporations.
• Homogeneity in media reporting could potentially reduce confusion and misinformation by providing a consistent narrative, which might actually help in bridging political rifts by creating a common understanding of events.
• The feeling of community connectedness is not solely dependent on local journalism; community engagement can also be fostered through local events, organizations, and social initiatives that are independent of news sources.