Book, Identity: interview with Benedetto Vecchi[LS]

Zygmunt Bauman, one of today's greatest theorists, shows how identity has become a key concept for understanding social life in the era of "liquid modernity". Identity returns to a central question in Zygmunt Bauman's thought in some of his books: in today's world, what is the space between self and other? What is the measure of individual freedom? And respect for others, with all their differences? Is it possible to build an identity without taking otherness – the other – into account? Can the survival of a modern nation-state assert itself in the bankruptcy or denial of other states? In this interview he gave to Italian journalist Benedetto Vecchi, one of today's greatest theorists shows how identity has become a key concept for understanding social life in the era of "liquid modernity" – a term that Bauman coined to talk about the fraying of relationships nowadays. According to the sociologist, as we face the uncertainties and insecurities of "liquid modernity", our social, cultural, professional, religious and sexual identities undergo a process of continuous transformation. This leads us to seek transitory and fleeting relationships and causes us to suffer the anguish inherent to this situation. The confusion affects values, but also affective relationships: "Being on the move is no longer a choice: it has now become an indispensable requirement", says Bauman.