Thematizing speed

Between critical theory and cultural analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID2398036
AuthorsFilip Vostal (0000-0003-4628-9180, University of Bristol, corresponding author)
Year2014
Volume17
Issue1
Pages95-114
Publication date2014-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEuropean Journal of Social Theory (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1368-4310 • E-ISSN: 1461-7137
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1368431013505014
OpenAlexW2155901899
LanguageEN
Citations received17
References cited37

This article makes the case that speed has become significant, indeed central, as a social scientific category and focus of attention today. In particular, it engages with two contemporary theoretical currents that conceptualize the causes, consequences and manifestations of social speed as a fundamental feature of modernity. One key contribution is Hartmut Rosa's interpretation of 'social acceleration', which is offered by him as part of a reinvigorated version of Critical Theory. Another is John Tomlinson's (complementary but different) orientation, focusing on variant cultural settings and implications of speed. By juxtaposing and assessing these two thematizations of speed/acceleration, with other recent treatments brought in at various points, the article underlines the need to clarify and debate these modal notions as a distinctive issue for social analysis. In addition, I bring out more explicitly the ambiguous nature of speed as a descriptive and normative concern. In this respect, while there can be no denying its negative-oppressive force - both structurally and experientially - it is also necessary to attend to the more positive-enabling aspects of 'fast' subjectivity

Epistemology · Modernity · Normative · Sociology · Subjectivity · Critical Theory and Philosophy · Humanities and Social Sciences · Philosophy · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics

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