Individualism and Togetherness in Contemporary Societies 1600-SZD-SPEC-IT-SOC
From the early days of sociology, modern societies have often been described as 'individualist' or 'individualized'. However, social theorists have widely disagreed on the extent and nature of individualization, with some claiming that it does not occur or is greatly overestimated. In the course, we will discuss the most influential accounts of individualization to explore how it manifests itself in various spheres of social practice. Our discussion will center on three fundamental questions: the scope and depth of individualization, its sources (individual choice, cultural values, systemic pressures), and its social consequences (alienation vs. empowerment). Additionally, our goal will be to critically examine concepts and theories developed in Western countries in light of Polish socio-cultural reality.
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge | The graduate knows and understands:
WG_01 - to the extent necessary for existing paradigms to be revised - a worldwide body of work, covering theoretical foundations as well as general and selected specific issues - relevant to a particular discipline
within the social sciences
WG_02 - the main development trends in the disciplines of the social sciences in which the education is provided
WG_03 - scientific research methodology in the field of the social sciences
WK_01 - fundamental dilemmas of modern civilisation from the perspective of the social sciences
Skills | The graduate is able to:
UK_05 - speaking a foreign language at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages using the professional terminology specific to the discipline within the social sciences, to the extent enabling participation in an international scientific and professional environment
Social competences | The graduate is ready to
KO_01 - fulfilling the social obligations of researchers and creators
KO_02 - fulfilling social obligations and taking actions in the public interest, in particular in initiating actions in the public interest
KO_03 - think and acting in an entrepreneurial manner
And others: Participants should be able to: 1.Distinguish between different understandings of individualism. 2.Discuss the historical roots of modern Western individualism. 3 Assess the most influential theories of individualization in terms of their strengths and weaknesses 4.Interpret contemporary social and cultural phenomena in light of the discussed theories.
Assessment criteria
Description of requirements related to participation in classes, including the
permitted number of explained absences: During the course, two absences are allowed.
Principles for passing the classes and the subject (including resit session): The participants will be required to deliver a final essay in which they interpret a specific social or cultural phenomenon through the lens of the discussed accounts of individualism and individualization.
Methods for the verification of learning outcomes: Assessment of final essays.
Evaluation criteria: Ingenuity in choosing a social or cultural phenomenon for analysis and accuracy in applying the concepts and theories acquired during the course.
Practical placement
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Bibliography
1) Cultural individualism vs. collectivism M. Rose, S. Kitayama (1990). Culture and Self: Implications for Cognition, Emotion, and Motivation. Psychology Review 98 (2), pp. 224-30 (to Table 1). H. Triandis (1995). Individualism and Collectivism. New York: Routledge, Chapter 3: Attributes of Individualism and Collectivism, pp. 43-80. R. E. Nisbett (2003). The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently… and Why. London: The Free Press, pp. 47-62, 69-73.2)
2) Historical roots of Western individualism
R. Bellah et al. (1985). Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life/ Berkeley, Los Angeles: University of California Press, Chapter 2: Culture and Character: The Historical Conversation, p. 27-52. A. Elliot, Ch. Anthony (2006). The New Individualism. The Emotional Costs of Globalization. London and New York: Routledge, pp. 43-53.
3) Modern individualism and its discontents A. Honneth (2004). Organized Self-Realization: Some Paradoxes of Individualization. European Journal of Social Theory, 7(4), fragments: Socio-Cultural Change and New Forms of Individualism, pp. 468-71; Self-Realization and Institutional Demands, pp. 471-74; Pathologies of Individualism Today, pp. 474-75. U. Beck, E. Beck-Gernsheim (2001). Individualization. Institutionalized Individualism and its Social and Political Consequences. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi: Sage, Chapter 1: Losing the traditional: Individualization and ‘precarious freedoms, fragment, pp. 1-8.
4) Modern individualism and self-identity E. Illouz (2008) Saving the Modern Soul: Therapy, Emotions, and the Culture of Self-Help. Berkeley: University of California Press, fragments: The therapeutic narrative of selfhood, pp. 171-178; Performing the self through therapy, pp. 178-186. M. Pagis (2016). Fashioning Futures: Life Coaching and the Self-Made Identity Paradox. Sociological Forum, 31(4), pp. 1083–1103.
5) Modern individualism and intimate relationships A. Giddens (1992). The Transformation of Intimacy: Sexuality, Love and Eroticism in Modern Societies. Cambridge: Polity, Chapter 4: Love, Commitment and Pure Relationship, pp. 49-64. K. Upton-Davis (2016). Living Together-Apart (LAT): Severing Intimacy from Obligation. Gender Issues, 29, pp. 25-38.
7) Modern individualism and family U. Beck, E. Beck-Gernsheim Elizabeth (2001). Individualization: Institutionalized Individualism and its Social and Political Consequences. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi: Sage, Chapter 6: On the Way to a Post-Familial Family: From Community of Needs to Elective Affinities, pp. 85-98. V. Jadva et al. (2014). ‘Friendly allies in raising a child’: a survey of men and women seeking elective co-parenting arrangements via an online connection website. Human Reproduction, 30(8), pp. 1896-1906.
8) Modern individualism and the decline of class U. Beck, E. Beck-Gernsheim (2001). Individualization: Institutionalized Individualism and its Social and Political Consequences. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi: Sage, Chapter 3: Beyond Status and Class?, pp. 30-41.K. van Eijck, B. Bargeman (2004). The changing impact of social background on lifestyle: ‘‘culturalization’’ instead ofindividualization?. Poetics, 32, pp. 439-61.
9) Modern individualism and social disengagementR. Putnam (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York: Simon & Schuster, Chapter 2: “Political Participation”, pp. 29-47.G. Turkel (1980). Privatism and orientations toward political action. Urban Life 9(2), pp. 217-35.
10) Modern individualism and emerging forms of community M. Maffesoli (2008). The Time of the Tribes: The Decline of Individualism in Mass Society. London: Sage, Chapter 1: The Emotional Community: Research Arguments, pp. 9-30; Chapter 4: Tribalism, pp. 72-103. J. Wilkinson (2010). Personal Communities: Responsible Individualism or Another Fall for Public [Man]?. Sociology, 44(3), pp. 453-70.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: