Every society has a social contract—an agreement about what kinds of things are an individual responsibility and what things are a collective responsibility.

The Restless Minds discussion group will explore those responsibilities when it meets in person at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, in the Sewing Room of Oakwood’s Arts & Crafts Center.

Traditionally, work, housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and eldercare are seen as personal/family responsibilities. Primary and secondary education, roads, and public safety (police and fire protection) have been seen as collective responsibilities.

Today our social contract has been challenged by changing gender roles, technology, new models of work, aging, and the perils of climate change.

Humans are increasingly interdependent. The ongoing pandemic has also focused attention on how much we depend on each other and on the government. Climate change is another conspicuous example.

We will look at our current social contracts and how new times may require us to reconsider how we deal with raising children, getting educated, falling ill, working, and growing old.

Restless Minds is open to all with inquisitive minds. There is no fee or need to register. Just show up and participate in the discussion.

For more information, contact Bill Gates or Bobbie Reed at 480-883-7410.