Varieties of individualization in contemporary society

What is it about?

The article seeks to demonstrate that individualization and class, contrary to what is claimed by leading social theorists such as Ulrich Beck, are not mutually exclusive, but rather interdependent phenomena in contemporary society. Thus, it is argued that there is a differentiation in people’s ability to deal with the requirements of individualization, depending on their possession of economic, social and cultural capital.

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Why is it important?

Because it seeks to demonstrate that rudiments for a more differentiated understanding of late modern individualization can be found in the works of not only Ulrich Beck, but also Anthony Giddens and Zygmunt Bauman. This is elaborated on by outlining a 'class model', which makes it possible to think the interconnections of individualization and social differentiation (class) in contemporary society.