Print this page Individualism and the Great Retreat from Connection

Since the Second World War, Western societies have become increasingly individualistic, placing greater emphasis on personal autonomy, self-expression and individual fulfilment. While this has brought many freedoms, some commentators argue it has also contributed to a "great retreat" from intimacy, friendship, marriage and community life. This course examines the historical rise of individualism from the 1950s to today and explores its social consequences, including loneliness, declining relationships, increasing single households and changing attitudes towards family and commitment. Participants will consider the causes of these shifts and discuss whether a better balance between individual freedom and social connection is possible. Suitable for anyone interested in contemporary society, psychology and social change.

 DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

• What is individualism?
• How did it come about it's rise from post World War II the generation gap the sexual revolution and more
• How extreme individualism took hold in the 80s through the capital system of Thatcher and Reagan
• What individualism looks like at its worst and why it is without doubt a negative leading to breakdowns in intimacY connection.
• Friendships increases in loneliness reduction and birth rates.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be ableto:

• Understand what individualism is
• Understand it's history and background and what brought it to being and why society changed so much after World War II
• Understand it objectives and understand it's noble objectives but ultimate failure
• Understand how it plays out and build awareness about individualism
• Explore ideas to address it