The End of Illusions

Up until just a few years ago, Western societies seemed to be moving forward in the assumed certainty of social progress: the worldwide triumph of democracy and the market economy seemed unstoppable; liberalisation and emancipation, the information society, and the pluralisation of lifestyles appeared to be the guiding concepts of the future. At the latest with Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, however, people came to the painful understanding that it was all an illusion.

Only now has the degree of society’s structural change become visible: the old industrial modern has been replaced by the late-modern age, which is characterised by new polarisations and paradoxes – progress and anxiety are inextricably entwined. In a series of essays Andreas Reckwitz pointedly maps out the central structural characteristics of the present: the new class society, the features of a post-industrial economy, the conflicts within culture and identity, the fatigue that arises from the imperative of self-realisation and the crisis of liberalism.

»This is a fascinating read, truly imaginative and remarkably wide-ranging. Andreas Reckwitz presents a compelling, novel outlook on the global challenges ahead.« Patrick Baert, University of Cambridge

»In The End of Illusions, Reckwitz conducts a ‘socio-analysis’ of a patient known as late modernity and reveals the contradictions, paradoxes, and anomalies that characterize contemporary society. The hard work involved in this sobering analysis pays off: while pathways toward a better society are neither obvious nor linear, embracing today's ambiguities opens up spaces to reimagine our shared futures.« Urs Gasser, Harvard University

»Sociologist Andreas Reckwitz decodes the dynamics of development of contemporary societies between openness and regulation. And lo and behold: A new kind of liberalism would have a good chance.« Jens Bisky, Süddeutsche Zeitung

»Reckwitz’ descriptions of cognitive-cultural capitalism and its consequences are impressive […]« Armin Nassehi, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

»The book not only analyses the creation of the liberal development story, it also provides categories to redefine political events.« Isolde Charim, taz. die tageszeitung

»Following the groundbreaking study The Society of Singularities, Andreas Reckwitz deals with the structural transformation of society in this collection of essays. The sociologist dissects the new class society, post-industrial economics, the conflicts revolving around culture and identity and the imperative of individual fulfilment from which exhaustion and weariness of democracy emanate.« DIE ZEIT

»If you want to know why the old securities the Federal Republic of Germany seemed to guarantee have been thrown off track, you have to read reckwitz. An elegant-intelligent tour de force through politics, economics and culture.« Die Literarische Welt

»An illuminating, urgent book.« Svenja Flaßpöhler, Philosphie Magazin

»After reading his book one looks forward to Andreas Reckwitz‘ next great feat with excitement.« Das Parlament

»[Reckwitz] follows up with The End of Illusions, an equally enlightening colletion of five essays that connects to [The Society of Singularities] and intensifies his insights into the current state of politics, the economy and society. Many a phenomena that we have been mystified by until now is thus deciphered.« Gunther Hartwig, Südwest Presse

»A sociologist delivers shrewd general theories of our times.« DIE ZEIT about The Society of Singularities