The Institutional Imperative: The Interface of Institutions and Networks - Hardcover

Zijderveld, Anton

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 9053564306 ISBN 13: 9789053564301

Publisher: Amsterdam University Press, 2014

Synopsis

Even though we, as moderns or post-moderns, think we can be free, original and authentic, our actions, thoughts, and emotions are cast in patterns which we share with other individuals, which we did not invent, and which we pass on to the next generation. After we die, people will continue to act, think, and feel within the context of institutions like marriage, family, church, school, university, voluntary associations, et cetera. All these institutions together are what we mean by culture. This book argues that human beings cannot exist, cannot even develop their individuality, freedom, and creativity, without institutions. Under the impact of globalization, ICT, and flexibilization, however, the character of institutions has changed. Pre-modern 'thick' institutions have developed into modern, or perhaps post-modern, 'thin' institutions, which in many ways resemble networks. This book is not a defense of traditional conservatism, nor does it embrace a facile brand of post-modernism. It is instead a painstaking search for a responsible middle road.

About this title

Synopsis

A reassessment of the value of institutions (such as marriage, family, church, school, university and voluntary associations) in a post-modern world. Zijderveld argues that human beings cannot exist, cannot even develop their individuality, freedom and creativity without institutions.

Edition details

• Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9053564306
• ISBN 13: 9789053564301
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 216