Palaces for the People

by Eric Klinenberg
Palaces for the People cover
Good Books rating 3.69
Politics and Current Affairs
Technical
  • ID: 3880
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781473549746
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2018-09-20
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Palaces for the People,' sociologist Eric Klinenberg explores the profound impact of shared spaces on our wellbeing and societal health. He argues that investing in 'social infrastructure'—places where people naturally gather and interact—can lead to stronger communities, reduced crime, and greater economic prosperity. Through compelling stories and scientific research, Klinenberg demonstrates how these spaces foster relationships and tolerance, ultimately creating a more equal and stable society./n/nKlinenberg's work is not just about physical spaces but also about the design and maintenance of these areas. He shows that by prioritizing and enhancing our libraries, parks, and other communal spaces, we can address some of the most pressing issues of our time, from social division to public health. This book offers a hopeful vision for the future, grounded in the power of human connection.

Reviews
Mobius Planning · 2024-02-15
mixed 3.00

The book falls short in providing a comprehensive overview of social infrastructure but offers valuable insights into its importance. It highlights the need for more detailed examples and practical solutions.

The reviewer acknowledges that the book provides a series of snapshots of existing pieces of social infrastructure but feels it falls short in offering a comprehensive overview. They appreciate the book's emphasis on the importance of social infrastructure in strengthening communities but suggest that it could benefit from more detailed examples and practical solutions. The reviewer also notes that while the book is insightful, it sometimes lacks the depth needed to fully understand the complexities of implementing social infrastructure projects. Overall, they find the book to be a valuable contribution to the discussion but believe it could be improved with more practical guidance.

Quick quotes

    Palaces for the People falls short in three main ways.

    The book provides a series of snapshots of existing pieces of social infrastructure.

    It highlights the need for more detailed examples and practical solutions.

Victoria Placemaking · 2023-08-16
compelling 4.25

The book is engaging and filled with inspiring anecdotes about various projects, making it a compelling read. It is particularly relevant in the context of the COVID pandemic.

The reviewer finds the book to be an engaging read, filled with inspiring anecdotes about projects of varying degrees of success. They highlight the book's relevance, especially in light of the COVID pandemic, where the importance of social infrastructure has become even more apparent. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to showcase how different initiatives can bring communities together and create a sense of belonging. They also note that the book's examples are not just theoretical but grounded in real-world experiences, making it a practical and inspiring read.

Quick quotes

    The book makes for an engaging read with lots of inspiring anecdotes about projects of varying degrees of success.

    And in light of the COVID pandemic, the book's message is particularly relevant.

    The book's examples are not just theoretical but grounded in real-world experiences.

Earthbound Report · 2019-05-06
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is described as a treatise on the importance of social infrastructure in fighting inequality and polarization. It is seen as a thought-provoking read that offers a vision for a more united society.

The reviewer views this book as a significant contribution to the discussion on social infrastructure and its role in addressing inequality and polarization. They find the arguments well-articulated and the vision for a more united society compelling. The book is praised for its ability to inspire readers to think about the importance of community spaces and their impact on society.

Quick quotes

    Palaces for the People: How to build a more equal and united society is a treatise on the importance of social infrastructure.

    It offers a vision for a more united society.

    A thought-provoking read that inspires readers to think about the importance of community spaces.

Inside Higher Ed · 2018-10-21
informative 3.50

The book provides a comprehensive look at social infrastructure, extending beyond public libraries to include various community spaces. It is praised for its depth and breadth but noted for its lack of specific solutions.

The reviewer appreciates the book's thorough exploration of social infrastructure, which goes beyond just libraries to include a variety of community spaces. They find the book insightful and well-researched, but they also point out that it lacks concrete solutions for implementing the ideas discussed. Despite this, the book is seen as a valuable contribution to the conversation about community building and social equality.

Quick quotes

    The book, however, goes well beyond the public library in describing how social infrastructure is built, maintained and degraded.

    It provides a series of snapshots of existing pieces of social infrastructure.

    The book falls short in three main ways.

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