Climate Change: Late/Liquid Modern Individualisation and Risk in Globalisation

Abstract

A key characteristic of late capitalism has been the furthering of individualization (Bauman, 2000). From this it has become quite easy for sociologists and the general population to disregard the importance of structures (Cartmel and Furlong, 2007). Structures such as ethnicity, gender, and class still have an impact on the life chances of new generations, whilst the structures of consumerism and the growth of global capital are leading to catastrophic changes in global climate. The global risk of climate change is not a new threat, but is one that is worsening, so much so that it has been named as the largest threat to the global economy (Elliot, 2016). However, as individual interests and the furthering of life chances take precedence, it seems this problem will only worsen until there becomes an imminent reason that stimulates global community interest. This reflection will examine how the process of individualisation, as a result of consumer led economic interest, has led to the perpetuation of climate change.