The Culture of the New Capitalism

Richard Sennett examines the profound shifts between traditional industrial capitalism and its modern, global, and ever-changing iteration. He explores how these transformations impact daily life, altering the work ethic, redefining merit, and creating a pervasive sense of 'uselessness' for many. Sennett argues that while the new economy promises freedom, it also introduces new social and emotional challenges, demanding a short-term oriented self that often discounts past experience. The book concludes by exploring more enduring forms of selfhood and practical ways to counteract the negative effects of these societal 'reforms.