大象传媒

It shapes every social interaction. But we鈥檇 rather not talk about it. It鈥檚 shameful to seek it. But we want it.

Status has always been the elephant in the room, our dirty little secret. Now Carl Honor茅 is going to bring it out into the open. He argues that status is changing in the modern world and not always for the better. Can we use it as a force for good?

When asked to explain what drove us to achieve a particular feat, we talk of our desire to change the world, help others, learn something new, overcome a challenge, have fun, make money or simply gain more control over our lives. No one ever says: "I did it to enhance my status."

This reticence is hardly surprising. Status cuts to the core of who we are and our place in the world. Of how others see us and how we see ourselves.

Talking about this feels awkward, messy, exposing, embarrassing. Like sharing a sexual problem. So status remains the driver that dare not speak its name.

This series will break that taboo and ask the big questions: Why is status so important? How does it work? How can we harness it to live better lives? Could a new approach to status help us tackle the epic challenges facing humankind at the start of the 21st century?

Written and Presented by Carl Honor茅
Producer: Tom Woolfenden
Executive Producer: Kirsten Lass
A Loftus Media production for 大象传媒 Radio 4