New Books in Critical Theory
Are We Experiencing a Crisis of Culture?
Sep 10, 2024
Olivier Roy, a professor of social and political sciences at the European University Institute in Florence and author of 'The Crisis of Culture,' explores the cultural crisis driven by neoliberal globalization. He discusses how identity politics displaces traditional social norms, leading to a disconnect in societal living. Roy argues that the fragmentation of cultures complicates social bonds, and the legacy of 1960s sexuality influences cultural decay. He calls for a reconstruction of social ties to address the challenges of modern individualism and multiculturalism.
41:28
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Neoliberal globalization is eroding both dominant and subordinate cultures by demanding explicit norms, threatening social cohesion and identity.
- Grassroots movements like the Yellow Vest initiative seek to rebuild local social bonds amidst the fragmentation of traditional cultural ties.
Deep dives
The Crisis of Culture Amid Globalization
Globalization has fundamentally reshaped cultural identity, particularly in Western societies, triggering a crisis of culture linked to the insecurity of dominant classes. Influences like the spread of an American-centric culture, economic neoliberalism, and increased immigration have led to a deculturation where pristine cultures struggle to assimilate into the dominant narrative. The separation of dominant values from traditional cultural ties, especially in religion, has become evident, resulting in the rise of fundamentalist beliefs devoid of their original cultural contexts. This paradox manifests in discussions of multiculturalism, where genuine cultural definitions and interactions become nebulous and unclear.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
