Reclaiming the global from the grip of modernity Globalisation, a defining feature of the 21st century, is often seen as a product of modernity. Its driving forces - technological progress, free trade and the spread of Western values - are closely interwoven with Enlightenment ideals of progress, rationality and universalism. However, the notion of a unified, universalising globalisation is increasingly challenged by the emergence of different, localised identities and the fragmentation of cultural narratives. This raises the question: Can we imagine a globalisation that goes beyond the modernist framework and takes into account the complexity of a postmodern world? Michel Maffesoli argues that postmodernity is not characterised by the absence of meaning or structure, but rather by a shift from universalising narratives to a focus on the 'tribal', the 'affective' and the 'sensual'. In this context, globalisation can be seen as a process of interdependence that respects and values the diversity of local cultures and experiences. Rather than imposing a singular, homogenising global identity, a postmodern globalisation would recognise the diversity of 'tribes' - communities formed around shared values, practises and aesthetics. This could manifest itself in different ways: - Decentralisation of power: Instead of a top-down hierarchical system, a postmodern globalisation would favour bottom-up initiatives and decentralised governance, allowing local communities to shape their own destiny. - Cultural hybridisation: The exchange of ideas and practises would be driven not by a desire for assimilation but by a spirit of creative fusion, leading to the emergence of hybrid cultures that draw from different sources. - The emphasis would be on the affective: The emphasis would shift from rational calculations to the emotional dimensions of the human experience, fostering a sense of belonging, solidarity and shared meaning within diverse communities. - Reconnecting to the local: Globalisation would not erase the importance of local communities and traditions, but rather increase their visibility and relevance in a global context. This vision of postmodern globalisation is not without its challenges. It requires a fundamental shift in our understanding of the world, away from the prevailing modernist paradigm of progress and universalism towards a more pluralistic and inclusive approach. This change requires: - Challenge the hegemony of Western narratives: Recognise the limitations of the Western perspective and appreciate the richness of diverse cultural voices. - Promote dialogue and understanding: Build bridges between different communities through open communication and exchange of ideas. - Emphasise local agency and self-determination: Empower communities to shape their own future and actively participate in global dialogue. The path to a truly postmodern globalisation, while fraught with obstacles, offers a compelling vision of a more inclusive and equitable future. By recognising the diversity of cultures and experiences, prioritising local action and fostering a spirit of cooperation, we can overcome the limitations of modernist globalisation and create a world that reflects the complexity and richness of the human experience. Maffesoli's tribes, however, are not necessarily local: they are small, fluid and often ephemeral groups bound together by shared values, passions and aesthetics. Traditionally, these tribes have been understood as rooted in local communities and shared experiences. In the digital age, however, Maffesoli's concept of tribe takes on a new dimension that transcends geographical boundaries and embraces the global network of people connected by common interests. The internet and social media have enabled the formation of 'virtual tribes' - groups of people who come together through online platforms, forums and social media groups. These tribes are defined by their shared passions, be it a love of a certain genre of music, a fascination with a particular hobby or a commitment to a cause. These digital communities provide a space for individuals to share their interests, engage in discussions and build relationships with like-minded people from around the world. The formation of these global tribes challenges the traditional understanding of the concept of identity. While local values still play a role in shaping individual identity, the internet has created a space where people can transcend geographical boundaries and connect with others based on shared passions, regardless of their location, background or cultural context. This phenomenon is evident in the proliferation of online communities dedicated to everything from gaming and anime to sustainable living and political activism. These global tribes offer several advantages: - A sense of belonging: For individuals who may feel marginalized or isolated in their local communities, online tribes provide a sense of belonging and acceptance. - Shared knowledge and expertise: Members of these tribes can learn from each other and share their expertise, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. - Collective action: Virtual tribes can mobilize their members for collective action, raising awareness and advocating for social change. However, there are also potential challenges: - Echo chambers: Online tribes can create echo chambers where individuals are only exposed to information and opinions that reinforce their existing beliefs. - Cyberbullying: The anonymity of the internet can lead to online harassment and cyberbullying, creating a toxic environment for some members. - Fragmentation: The proliferation of online tribes can lead to a fragmentation of society, as individuals become increasingly isolated within their own digital communities. Despite these challenges, the virtual tribes offer a powerful illustration of the transformative potential of the internet. They showcase the ability of individuals to connect and build communities based on shared interests, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering a sense of global citizenship. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, understanding the dynamics of these virtual tribes will be crucial for navigating the complex social and political landscape of the 21st century. The path to a truly postmodern globalisation, while fraught with obstacles, offers a compelling vision of a more inclusive and equitable future. By recognising the diversity of cultures and experiences, prioritising direct action and fostering a spirit of cooperation, we can overcome the limitations of modernist globalisation and create a world that reflects the complexity and richness of the human experience.
Reclaiming the global from the grip of modernity
Globalisation, a defining feature of the 21st century, is often seen as a product of modernity. Its driving forces - technological progress, free trade and the spread of Western values - are closely interwoven with Enlightenment ideals of progress, rationality and universalism. However, the notion of a unified, universalising globalisation is increasingly challenged by the emergence of different, localised identities and the fragmentation of cultural narratives. This raises the question: Can we imagine a globalisation that goes beyond the modernist framework and takes into account the complexity of a postmodern world?
Michel Maffesoli argues that postmodernity is not characterised by the absence of meaning or structure, but rather by a shift from universalising narratives to a focus on the 'tribal', the 'affective' and the 'sensual'. In this context, globalisation can be seen as a process of interdependence that respects and values the diversity of local cultures and experiences.
Rather than imposing a singular, homogenising global identity, a postmodern globalisation would recognise the diversity of 'tribes' - communities formed around shared values, practises and aesthetics. This could manifest itself in different ways:
- Decentralisation of power: Instead of a top-down hierarchical system, a postmodern globalisation would favour bottom-up initiatives and decentralised governance, allowing local communities to shape their own destiny.
- Cultural hybridisation: The exchange of ideas and practises would be driven not by a desire for assimilation but by a spirit of creative fusion, leading to the emergence of hybrid cultures that draw from different sources.
- The emphasis would be on the affective: The emphasis would shift from rational calculations to the emotional dimensions of the human experience, fostering a sense of belonging, solidarity and shared meaning within diverse communities.
- Reconnecting to the local: Globalisation would not erase the importance of local communities and traditions, but rather increase their visibility and relevance in a global context.
This vision of postmodern globalisation is not without its challenges. It requires a fundamental shift in our understanding of the world, away from the prevailing modernist paradigm of progress and universalism towards a more pluralistic and inclusive approach. This change requires:
- Challenge the hegemony of Western narratives: Recognise the limitations of the Western perspective and appreciate the richness of diverse cultural voices.
- Promote dialogue and understanding: Build bridges between different communities through open communication and exchange of ideas.
- Emphasise local agency and self-determination: Empower communities to shape their own future and actively participate in global dialogue.
The path to a truly postmodern globalisation, while fraught with obstacles, offers a compelling vision of a more inclusive and equitable future. By recognising the diversity of cultures and experiences, prioritising local action and fostering a spirit of cooperation, we can overcome the limitations of modernist globalisation and create a world that reflects the complexity and richness of the human experience.
Maffesoli's tribes, however, are not necessarily local: they are small, fluid and often ephemeral groups bound together by shared values, passions and aesthetics. Traditionally, these tribes have been understood as rooted in local communities and shared experiences. In the digital age, however, Maffesoli's concept of tribe takes on a new dimension that transcends geographical boundaries and embraces the global network of people connected by common interests.
The internet and social media have enabled the formation of 'virtual tribes' - groups of people who come together through online platforms, forums and social media groups. These tribes are defined by their shared passions, be it a love of a certain genre of music, a fascination with a particular hobby or a commitment to a cause. These digital communities provide a space for individuals to share their interests, engage in discussions and build relationships with like-minded people from around the world.
The formation of these global tribes challenges the traditional understanding of the concept of identity. While local values still play a role in shaping individual identity, the internet has created a space where people can transcend geographical boundaries and connect with others based on shared passions, regardless of their location, background or cultural context. This phenomenon is evident in the proliferation of online communities dedicated to everything from gaming and anime to sustainable living and political activism.
These global tribes offer several advantages:
- A sense of belonging: For individuals who may feel marginalized or isolated in their local communities, online tribes provide a sense of belonging and acceptance.
- Shared knowledge and expertise: Members of these tribes can learn from each other and share their expertise, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Collective action: Virtual tribes can mobilize their members for collective action, raising awareness and advocating for social change.
However, there are also potential challenges:
- Echo chambers: Online tribes can create echo chambers where individuals are only exposed to information and opinions that reinforce their existing beliefs.
- Cyberbullying: The anonymity of the internet can lead to online harassment and cyberbullying, creating a toxic environment for some members.
- Fragmentation: The proliferation of online tribes can lead to a fragmentation of society, as individuals become increasingly isolated within their own digital communities.
Despite these challenges, the virtual tribes offer a powerful illustration of the transformative potential of the internet. They showcase the ability of individuals to connect and build communities based on shared interests, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering a sense of global citizenship. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, understanding the dynamics of these virtual tribes will be crucial for navigating the complex social and political landscape of the 21st century.
The path to a truly postmodern globalisation, while fraught with obstacles, offers a compelling vision of a more inclusive and equitable future. By recognising the diversity of cultures and experiences, prioritising direct action and fostering a spirit of cooperation, we can overcome the limitations of modernist globalisation and create a world that reflects the complexity and richness of the human experience.
A Maffesoli reader,cool🙂