We’re now roughly 40 years after modernity softened up its stances and became liquid. If we compare liquid modernity to solid modernity across most measures - we’ll find that systems defined by flexibility, globalism and individual freedom have clearly outperformed the rigid and solid ones.
Those systems who adhered to solid principles — such as long-term responsibility, trust, and institutional stability suffered competitive disadvantages. Accordingly, those who behaved more opportunistically often thrived.
While there are many positive aspects of liquid modernity - it is also marked by uncertainty. Many citizens feel like they are unable to successfully navigate societal complexities anymore. It feels like the rules that were once relatively straightforward, logical and deterministic are now unpredictable. This dissatisfaction presented an opportunity that far right movements moved to fill…
I would be interested in the presentation down the line; I personally find the ‘deep dives’ into certain people/frameworks, like the one with Bourdieu, to be insightful and worthwhile, and if you do something similar with Bauman and the many definitions of ‘liquid’ and how it might apply ‘today’ would be interesting.
I was thinking of introducing the concepts of solid and liquid, illustrate with examples, explain the ideological background and then dive into trends that explain where populism, nationalism, traditionalism, masculinism… come from.
Bauman’s overarching concept is Liquid Modernity, but he explicitly writes about Liquid Life, Liquid Love and Liquid Fear. He also less formally mentions Liquid Identity and Liquid Work.
I’m mainly interested in Liquid Fear and how it feeds into meaning crisis, existential anxiety and mental health in general.
I’ll then make a case that what we’re experiencing at the moment as a comprehensive crisis is the result of Liquid Modernity no longer trusted by people, providing a meaning or even a competitive advantage. It opens a lot of opportunities for radical challengers and a sharp tack into “neo-solidification” of Modernity.
BTW - Bauman is just brilliant, but don’t make a mistake trying to analyse modernity historically hoping to find that things snap into solid or liquid. The Liquid Fear works like a dream though!
Good to see you in person yestersay Martin! Sounds great, like others I’d be very interested in a general overview of Bauman’s liquid modernity as well as your specific take on liquid fear etc - if that’s something you’d be willing to do please do put your name down on the sign up sheet - there’s currently a free slot on the 13th if that suits
Although the context of the shared post escapes me entirely, the statement remains as compelling as ever… nine years on! But I’m still highly intrigued by your upcoming presentation and the debate to follow @Martin
But I’m still highly intrigued by your upcoming presentation and the debate to follow 
