Crisis Under Critique: How People Assess, Transform, and Respond to Critical Situations

The concept of crisis is rethought in order to take stock of and challenge our understanding of the many predicaments in which we find ourselves, with contributors examining how people experience, interpret, and contribute to the making of and the response to critical situations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The term "crisis" signifies a significant disruption, a rupture, and a moment when the established order can no longer be sustained. However, our political discourse has become heavily influenced by the rhetoric of crisis, to the extent that what is considered abnormal has become normalized. How can we reimagine the notion of crisis to gain a deeper understanding of the various predicaments we face?

In contrast to traditional approaches that focus on diagnosing emergencies, Didier Fassin, Axel Honneth, and a group of esteemed thinkers have undertaken a profound exploration of how individuals perceive, interpret, and actively contribute to the emergence and response to critical situations. Contributors delve into the social origins of crises, examining a diverse range of cases across five continents through the lenses of philosophy, sociology, anthropology, political science, history, and economics. By centering the perspectives of those directly impacted, the book highlights the urgency and immediacy of crises. Crisis Under Critique offers a unique and groundbreaking intervention that challenges and redefines one of the most crucial yet enigmatic concepts of our time.

Through a comprehensive analysis that encompasses perspectives from both the grassroots and the scholarly realm, the book sheds light on the multifaceted nature of crises. It explores the ways in which social movements, intellectual engagements, affected communities, and reflexive perspectives intertwine to shape the experiences and outcomes of these critical junctures. By delving into the complexities and nuances of crises, Crisis Under Critique provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the challenges we face in today's world.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, activists, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of crisis and its impact on society. It offers a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives that challenge our assumptions and encourage us to think critically about the world around us. By reimagining the notion of crisis, we can develop more effective strategies for navigating and overcoming the challenges we face, building a more resilient and inclusive society.

Weight: 708g
Dimension: 233 x 155 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231204330