We Count, We Matter

This book examines the contemporary reaction against the establishment or ‘the system’ in terms of a new divide between those who wish to see an interconnected world, and those who seek distance through protectionism and opposition to immigration. An analysis that draws on the notion of ‘face’ to explore reactions to processes such as automation and globalisation, the author considers people’s new conception of themselves as networked individuals, able to respond to a sense of alienation and air their grievances on social media, and discusses our move towards a type of society characterised not by honour and dishonour, or right and wrong, but by voice and choice.