Main manifestations of the society of uncertainty: analysis from a French perspective

Abstract

Contemporary societies are increasingly becoming societies of uncertainty. Although uncertainty occupies a minimal place in most sociological paradigms, it is clear that, due to the end of the grand narratives, the acceleration of change, the increasing fragmentation of society, the rise of individualisation and the deepening of globalisation, actual's societies are confronted, not only with a multiplication of unforeseen events with multiple effects in the medium to long term, but also and above all with an intensification and diversification of uncertainty, in all areas. This leads to an increase of risk and its social perception, which in turn leads to an increase in insecurity and the feeling of insecurity, particularly at the social level. This leads to anxiety, in the form of eco-anxiety for example, and anger, which is expressed in the form of protest votes for anti-system parties or the eruption of movements such as the Yellow Jackets in France.