Individual insecurities: an examination of ‘status anxiety’ in relation to individualisation

Abstract

This project aims to assess the impact of a phenomena known as status
anxiety (De Botton, 2005), which involves a consideration of ideals of success and
the impact which these have on individuals within society. Since this is a somewhat
poorly elaborated concept, it is argued that its application to the wider debate
surround individualization theory is needed, so as to ground it in a more academic
discussion. In doing so it is hoped that the emotional impact of status anxiety and
living within an individualized second modernity can be assessed. In order to achieve
this, the works of Zygmunt Bauman, Anthony Giddens and Ulrich Beck were
consulted, in addition to the theory of Pierre Bourdieu so as to allow for a discussion
of inequality. Overall ten university students were interviewed, using a semistructured
interview technique, regarding their feelings towards success and the
future. From these discussions it was clear that these individuals felt a need to plan
and control their lives, whilst ultimately taking responsibility for their own failures and
successes. However, the roles of gender and class were also found to be highly
influential within this discussion. Overall, it can be seen that individualization and
status anxiety can combine to form an effective analysis of the emotional impact
caused by notions of meritocracy, responsibility for the self and the pressure of
constructing one’s own identity in a time of detraditionalization.