The Open Tribe

This book asks whether or not it is possible to combine the values of solidarity and belonging with curiosity and openness towards difference. Is it possible to create an 'Open Tribe'? As markets become global, and social welfare is cut back, many people feel exposed and vulnerable to the economy, and the response is to become defensive, to turn inwards, to look for comfort in 'people like us'. But we need both 'openness' and a sense of belonging in our conversations about change, and Sue Goss discusses these questions in a series of conversations with politicians, academics, campaigners and thinkers. Each conversation travels in a different direction, exploring the worlds of politics, work, community and the state. But powerful themes emerge across each discussant - about the 'battle for the human' - a different way of looking at ourselves and at each other - and a set of shared values from which to challenge and rethink all our social and economic institutions.