Media: books (Globalization: the Human Consequences, Wasted Lives: Modernity and its Outcasts)
Who: Polish sociologist
When: 1925 - present
What: Bauman theorizes about social changes resultant of modernity, postmodernity and globalization. Although his theories are not entirely original, his books are thouroughly accessible and his writing direct, integrating social, economic and political perspectives in a unique and encompassing manner.
Key Concepts:
----- liquid modernity > the shift within society and economics towards fluidity and flexibility. Bauman asserts that contemporary times have eroded our sense of committment, a loss that not only affects us economically (loss of job security), but also our relationships and our worldviews.
----- waste management > Bauman focuses on the social outcasts of globalization, those who are left behind to sustain the system of modernity/development.
----- individualism and consumerism
Links: Guardian Books article, Open Democracy interview