The Consequences of Modernity

In this major theoretical statement, the author offers a new andprovocative interpretation of the institutional transformationsassociated with modernity. We do not as yet, he argues, live in apost-modern world. Rather the distinctive characteristics of ourmajor social institutions in the closing period of the twentiethcentury express the emergence of a period of 'high modernity,' inwhich prior trends are radicalised rather than undermined. Apost-modern social universe may eventually come into being, butthis as yet lies 'on the other side' of the forms of social andcultural organization which currently dominate world history.In developing an account of the nature of modernity, Giddensconcentrates upon analyzing the intersections between trust andrisk, and security and danger, in the modern world. Both the trustmechanisms associated with modernity and the distinctive 'riskprofile' it produces, he argues, are distinctively different fromthose characteristic of pre-modern social orders.This book build upon the author's previous theoretical writings,and will be of fundamental interest to anyone concerned withGidden's overall project. However, the work covers issues which theauthor has not previously analyzed and extends the scope of hiswork into areas of pressing practical concern. This book will beessential reading for second year undergraduates and above insociology, politics, philosophy, and cultural studies.