Civility, trash talking and more sociable cities

It certainly feels like a very shouty world. But have we really reached a new low point in civility? And, if so, where to from here? We examine what civility really entails and how it can help foster cooperation but also lead to the submission of minorities. And did you know that even the design of our urban spaces can shape and limit acts of civility? So, how can we make our cities more sociable?

Original broadcast on March 23, 2025.

Guests

Dr Eduardo Sadoval — Social Roboticist, UNSW

Dr Saara Liinamaa — Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph. Also, co-investigator, Sociable Cities Project

Rafi Kohan — US-based freelance writer and author

Dr Keith Bybee — Professor of Law and Political Science, Syracuse University

Further information

Rafi Kohan - Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn’t Total Garbage

Keith Bybee - How Civility Works

Sociable Cities Project