The Vertigo of Late Modernity Jock Young Sage Publications, 213pp, £21.99 ISBN 1412935741
Professor Jock Young is a sociologist and criminologist concerned with the state of present-day society. In his latest book, he examines the paradoxical situation in which we now find ourselves. Individualism and self-development are ever more heralded, but the secure foundations on which to build them – including familial groupings and our sense of identity – are becoming more elusive.
In The Vertigo of Late Modernity, Young argues that people separate out others by way of class, race or religion. This, he states, is evident in where people live in the cities, in strata in the labour market and in definitions of the criminal. People’s sense of alienation from their surroundings has given rise to "essentialism" – self-definition according to rigid lines such as nationality.
Although the world he depicts can appear doomed, Young argues that this is not necessarily the case. Instead, he says, we need to break down fixed categories and truly embrace diversity. Despite a plethora of complex arguments and, at times, language, Young’s book highlights well the sense of insecurity fostered by the increased opportunities that the global – and virtual – world offers us. It is an uneasy but important read that articulates some very resonant feelings.
Post this article to
Post your comment
Please note: you will need to login or register before you can comment on the website
