Zygmunt Bauman s liquid sociology confronts the awesome task of reminding individual men and women that an alternative way of living together is within our eminent capabilities, if only we start to think differently about our world. The metaphor of liquidity, which has become such a prominent feature of his writings since 2000, provides us with just such a new interpretation, with a novel way of seeing . Each chapter in this unique collection takes seriously Bauman s analysis of modernity as liquid, throwing new light upon global social problems, as well as opening up a space for assessing...

How does Bauman understand the concept of freedom, and how does this understanding relate to the political traditions of conservatism, liberalism and socialism? Mark Davis offers a critical enquiry into the sociology of Zygmunt Bauman, focusing on his English-language writings from the 1960s onwards. The book contributes to sociological debates about modern society by offering an interpretation of Bauman's work based on the concept of freedom, especially in terms of his extensive consideration of consumerism. Existing studies of Bauman have tended to focus uncritically upon other salient...

Disclosure is a frequently used but rarely interrogated concept in health and social welfare. Abuse, disability, sexuality and health status can be `disclosed' to peers and professionals, and on some occasions, disclosure is a requirement and not a choice. This innovative collection examines the new social and political implications of disclosure practices in health and illness. We make our identities and our connections with others by sharing life stories, experiences and innermost desires and are often asked to disclose facts about our lives, bodies and minds, at times with unintended...