In an era defined by constant connectivity, the relationships - virtual or otherwise - between ordinary people have never been more important. Political and corporate elites present themselves as supporters of citizen solidarities in order to defend structures of power and profit, whilst radical movements rely on those same impulses to resist and undermine the fragile status quo.
In Only Connect, Andrew Wallace traces the evolving role of citizen networks in shaping our political, social and economic life. From the rise of to the 'sharing economy' in the form of companies such as Airbnb to the international spread of Black Lives Matters, Wallace argues that we are now entering a new phase both of neoliberalism and popular protest. Will the collaborative possibilities unleashed by the digital revolution result in our relationships being commodified and monopolised by corporate and political elites, or will it empower us to reclaim time, autonomy and community for ourselves?
An innovative take on our current economic and political crisis, Wallace places citizen relations at the forefront of the agenda, showing how thin the dividing line is between resistance and cooptation.
- ISBN13 9781786992925
- Publish Date 1 September 2022
- Publish Status Forthcoming
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Zed Books Ltd
- Format Paperback
- Pages 252
- Language English