Society Of Fear by Heinz Bude

The Blurb On The Back:

From the rise of terrorism to the uncertainties associated with economic crisis and recession, our age is characterised by fear. Fear is the expression of a society on unstable foundations. Most of us feel that our social status is under threat and our future prospects in jeopardy. We are overwhelmed by a sense of having been catapulted into a world to which we no longer belong.

Tracing this experience, Heinz Bude uncovers a society marked by disturbing uncertainty, suppressed anger and quiet resentment. This is as true in our close relationships as it is in the world of work, in how we react to politicians as much as in our attitudes towards bankers and others in the financial sector. Bude shows how this fear is not derived so much from a "powerful other" but rather from the seemingly endless range of possibilities that we face. While this may seem to offer us greater autonomy and freedom, in reality the unknown impact and meaning of each option creates a vacuum which is filled by fear.

What conditions lead people to feel anxious and fearful for themselves and others? How can individuals withstand fear and develop ways of making their fears intelligible? Probing these and other questions, Bude provides a fresh analysis of some of the most fundamental features of our societies today.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Heinz Bude is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Kassel and in this very academic book (translated from German by Jessica Spengler), which I found difficult to follow at times, he sets out the nature of the fears inherent within modern society, from fears within relationships to fears of immigrants and foreigners and fears among the middle and working classes.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.