The Experience Society : Life beyond Subjectivity

Author: Brinkmann, Svend

Social & cultural history

Published on 1 August 2025 by REAKTION BOOKS in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 96 pages
200 x 120 | 0g

In today’s ‘experience society’, everything is judged by personal experience, from online shopping to funerals. Value is measured by how satisfying an individual finds their experience, and the experience economy thrives on this desire for entertainment and fulfilment. Yet debates often reach an impasse when reduced to subjective feelings – whether offence is taken or criticisms are dismissed. Svend Brinkmann explores this cultural shift, examining how our reliance on subjective experience limits meaningful discussions and social cohesion. He argues for reclaiming a shared, objective reality, essential for tackling the major issues of our time, and for fostering genuine understanding beyond personal perceptions.