Liquid Love
On the Frailty of Human Bonds
1. Edition April 2003
176 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
This book is about the central figure of our contemporary,
'liquid modern' times - the man or woman with no
bonds, and particularly with none of the fixed or durable bonds
that would allow the effort of self-definition and self-assertion
to come to a rest. Having no permanent bonds, the denizen of our
liquid modern society must tie whatever bonds they can to engage
with others, using their own wits, skill and dedication. But none
of these bonds are guaranteed to last. Moreover, they must be tied
loosely so that they can be untied again, quickly and as
effortlessly as possible, when circumstances change - as they
surely will in our liquid modern society, over and over again.
The uncanny frailty of human bonds, the feeling of insecurity
that frailty inspires, and the conflicting desires to tighten the
bonds yet keep them loose, are the principal themes of this
important new book by Zygmunt Bauman, one of the most original and
influential social thinkers of our time. It will be of great
interest to students and scholars in sociology and in the social
sciences and humanities generally, and it will appeal to anyone
interested in the changing nature of human relationships.
Chapter 1 Falling In and Out of Love.
Chapter 2 In and Out of the Toolbox of Sociality.
Chapter 3 On the Difficulty of Loving Thy Neighbour.
Chapter 4 Togetherness Dismantled.
Notes
better, which is pretty amazing if one considers his prolific
output during recent years."
Anthony Elliott, University of the West of
England
"This book is timely and shows accurate observation, lucid
thinking and much background knowledge and wisdom"
John Calder, Camden New Journal
"Its thoughtful examination of our predicament is invigorating -
like a cold shower."
New Internationalist
"Liquid Love is invaluable for grasping the problems of
living in a globalized world and inspiring individuals effectively
to resolve them."
Contemporary Sociology
