In this groundbreaking book, Alberto Melucci delves into questions about the self, in a globalised, information society, as both a psychological and socio-cultural entity. He examines the self as the site of highly personal experiences, such as laughing and loving, and through more impersonal experiences, such as of time.
The Playing Self addresses the impact of the information revolution, globalization, and 'permanent uncertainty' on identity formation and experience of everyday life. Bringing together in a unique combination subjective, cultural and structural dimensions of social change and social action, Melucci provides a brilliant and original phenomenological analysis of the self and its vicissitudes in 'post-industrial society.' Remarkably free of jargon and deeply serious, this text is a 'must' for anyone interested in the challenges to and new opportunities for individual freedom in an increasingly complex world.'-----Jean Cohen, Columbia University
