Reclaiming Humanity - by Beth Roy (Hardcover)

About the Book

Explores the psychological and political ways modern individuals become dehumanized, even as we are recruited into systems that dehumanize others

Book Synopsis

Both theoretical and narrative, the book draws on the author's long experience as a mediator and counselor to examine the ways in which members of society are dehumanized by institutional oppression and contribute to that system.

At the place where personal identity and institutional oppression meet there lie reasons beyond morality for all people, especially those with apparent privilege, to resist inequities based in race, gender, class or generation. Reclaiming Humanity explores the psychological and political ways modern individuals become dehumanized, even as we are recruited into systems that dehumanize others. Through stories of personal exploration and learning, the book delves into dynamics by which we consent to systems that deprive us of well-being. Reclaiming Humanity then moves beyond understanding how profoundly we've lost the art of community connection to open up creative visions of a truly humane social order. Through these narratives and explorations, the work discusses practical directions for mediators, activists, and other seekers after justice.

Review Quotes

Reclaiming Humanity by Dr. Beth Roy should be an indispensable citizens field manual for anyone struggling to understand how and why our country has all but lost the ability to value, care about, and provide for the basic needs of its richly diverse population. The reality of our diversity cannot be denied despite aggressive efforts to do so. In a concise and story filled narrative, Beth Roy's book provides the detailed knowledge and clarity of the structural and relationship dynamics that we urgently need to know and understand in order to take action as we empower ourselves in response to current government policy.

In Reclaiming Humanity, Beth Roy analyzes the complex, makes it intelligible, and prescribes an agenda of action to change the status quo so we can live in a society that 'values the human heart and spirit...[and] the love of nature without which none of us will long survive.' For an increasingly dismal world she offers thoughtful analysis and careful prescription.

This book is a profound call to action for leaders to build more resilient, innovative, and truly human organizations. Roy's core thesis is a strategic imperative for the modern age: "progress for any one group of people cannot be made without progress for everyone." She challenges us to move beyond the zero-sum thinking that so often derails DEI and change management efforts, embracing a powerful strategy of "mutuality." Reclaiming Humanity is an essential, transformative read for any leader, manager, or citizen seeking to navigate the divisions of our time and build a more just, connected, and prosperous future for all.

About the Author

Beth Roy, PhD, is current practitioner of mediation for families and organizations and retired teacher in the Peace and Conflict Studies program at University of California, Berkeley, US.