Modernity and Self-Identity: Self and Society in the Late Modern AgeThis major study develops a new account of modernity and its relation to the self. Building upon the ideas set out in The Consequences of Modernity, Giddens argues that 'high' or 'late' modernity is a post traditional order characterised by a developed institutional reflexivity. In the current period, the globalising tendencies of modern institutions are accompanied by a transformation of day-to-day social life having profound implications for personal activities. The self becomes a 'reflexive project', sustained through a revisable narrative of self identity. The reflexive project of the self, the author seeks to show, is a form of control or mastery which parallels the overall orientation of modern institutions towards 'colonising the future'. Yet it also helps promote tendencies which place that orientation radically in question - and which provide the substance of a new political agenda for late modernity. In this book Giddens concerns himself with themes he has often been accused of unduly neglecting, including especially the psychology of self and self-identity. The volumes are a decisive step in the development of his thinking, and will be essential reading for students and professionals in the areas of social and political theory, sociology, human geography and social psychology. |
Contents
Ontological Security and Existential Anxiety | |
The Trajectory of the Self | |
Fate Risk and Security | |
The Sequestration of Experience | |
Tribulations of the Self | |
The Emergence of Life Politics | |
Notes | |
Other editions - View all
Modernity and Self-Identity: Self and Society in the Late Modern Age Anthony Giddens Limited preview - 1991 |
Modernity and Self-identity: Self and Society in the Late Modern Age Anthony Giddens No preview available - 1991 |
Common terms and phrases
abstract systems achieved action activities anxiety appearance areas aspects authority awareness basic become behaviour bodily body called changes characteristic choice circumstances closely concerned connections contexts continuous course created cultures dangers day-to-day death decisions depends directly discussion distinctive dominant early effectively elements emergence environment established example existence existential experience expression external fact fateful feelings forms fundamental future given global human identity important individual influences institutions integrated internally referential intimacy involved issues knowledge less lifestyle live London major matter means mechanisms mediated modern social modes moral nature needs ontological organised particular person phenomenon politics possible potential practices pre-modern problems processes psychological pure relationship questions reason reflexive relation relationship repressed respect risk routines self-identity sense separate settings sexual shame simply situation social society space specific sphere therapy things traditional trust