Podcast about human connection and social architecture

Human Connection: The Soul of Our Social Architecture with Allison Pugh PhD

The media paints AI as a universal solution, but the spark of human connection, our life force or soul, defies machine replication. As we navigate this new era, the question of human-machine coexistence looms.

For a deeper dive into the soul of our social architecture, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with a Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University and the 2024-25 Vice President of the American Sociological Association, Dr. Allison Pugh.

Allison discusses the research that led to her latest book, The Last Human Job, and the dilemma of human connective labor when data collection is prioritized.

This episode is a special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…

Original Air Date Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Allison Pugh, PhD, is a Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University and the 2024-25 Vice President of the American Sociological Association. She writes about how people forge connections and find meaning and dignity at work and home. Allison’s work has been widely published in The New Yorker, Time magazine, The New Republic, Aeon, The Harvard Business Review, and more. Professor Pugh builds a compelling case for preserving human work in an increasingly automated and mechanical world.

Book: The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World.


Allison Pugh, PhD — Studying Human Connection:

  • The book, The Last Human Job, unpacks the new ‘feeling’ economy and how humans in business will adapt to it.  {3:59}
  • Connective labor is the term for humans working to connect deeply with one another. {7:42}
  • The issue of prioritizing data metrics and standardized practices over human connection. {12:01}
  • The human-machine connection lacks an emotional feedback loop. {21:55}

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Shareables:

“There are some things that cannot be replaced by a machine.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “You can’t just throw advice at someone unless you know what they’re about.”  @allison_pugh on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “They are all about trying to control labor costs and impose efficiency on these humane, human-centered interpersonal service jobs.” @allison_pugh on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “We need to learn how to value our interactions with each other.” @allison_pugh on @HH_TalkRadio Share on X

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Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.

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