In his book ‘Liquid Modernity’ (2000), Chapter 2, individuality, Bauman writes about the transition from modernity, the phase of heavy capitalism, to postmodernity, the phase of light capitalism. Bauman gives an in depth comprehensive review and summary of some of the negative aspects of postmodern life. In this essay I will explore Baumans argument, looking at the move towards postmodernity and the associated individualism, the way postmodern life is centred around consumerism, and the many sources of anxiety this new social structure has generated. Individualism is a social theory in which the individual is responsible for them self, independent and self-reliant, and there is little state control or intervention. Postmodernity is synonymous with contemporary modernity.
The augmented worker
A recent UN report concludes that while algorithms and artificial intelligence are unlikely to destroy the vast majority of jobs, many administrative posts are at risk in…