Manufactured Insecurity and Social Order

The concept of manufactured insecurity is central to understanding the current ecological and political crises. Astra Taylor argues that societal systems deliberately create insecurities to promote consumerism and maintain the status quo, impacting how individuals perceive their potential, stability, and relationships with others. This artificial insecurity shapes not only personal identities but also broader societal capacities for change, inhibiting both individual growth and collective action. As societies grapple with these constructs, the fabric of communal relationships and trust tends to fray, leaving a pervasive sense of vulnerability that can fuel authoritarian tendencies.