A new book from Professor Frank Furedi, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, analyses the confusion surrounding borders and boundaries in western society and stresses the negative effects of no clear guidance on everyday life issues.
Why Borders Matter discusses the blurred lines in today’s culture between adults and children, animals and humans, privacy and publicity, rules and freedom. Professor Furedi stresses the cultural devaluation of the act of judgment, which has led to a loss of clarity about moral boundaries.
The sociologist highlights that the lost sense of borders encourages a permanent mood of identity crisis and to revitalise a more open-minded society there needs to be change.
Professor Furedi said: ‘I have long argued the implications of grey areas in society and the insecurity that this brings for individuals. Without the discipline of boundaries, there is little to guide people as they make their way in the world. This book explores various themes including the infantilisation of adults in contrast with the adultification of children and I hope that it opens readers’ eyes to the concerning culture we are living in today.’
The Academy of Ideas is hosting an online book launch of Why Borders Matter, where Professor Furedi will be in conversation with broadcaster Timandra Harkness – 19.00 on 30 June 2020. Register here.
Why Borders Matter is published by Routledge on 13 July 2020. It can be purchased here: www.routledge.com/9780367416829