The appearance of abundant identity options masks structural pressure toward situational selves

Evidence

Therefore, while on the “surface” contemporary acceleration societies present us with a kaleidoscopic juxtaposition of cultural fragments and identity options, their underlying processes militate against the realization of any “deep” identity-constituting projects that are not in conformity with the structurally advantaged form of flexible, situational selves. With these conclusions of his social theory in mind, it is not surprising to find Rosa concerned to highlight the central importance for any adequate contemporary critical project of eudaimonist turns of thought (that is, use of concepts like the good life, happiness, well-being, or human flourishing). — Hartmut Rosa, Social Acceleration, 37

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clarifies eudaimonism as use of good-life, happiness, and flourishing concepts.
• XREF: connects to: Choice-based identities require a lifetime-scale time horizon to constitute identity — Hartmut Rosa, Social Acceleration: A New Theory of…, 32; Identity formation responds to external social pressures rather than pure self-selection — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 2510; The modern discourse of identity depends on recognition by others and masks suppressed fear (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Identity formation responds to external social pressures rather than pure self-selection #expands (0.85) — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 2510
• Contemporary identity is self-fashioning rather than fixed essence #qualifies (0.80)
• The modern discourse of identity depends on recognition by others and masks suppressed fear #expands (0.78)