In this episode, we discuss the concept of individualism and why, as a society, we have become so focused on ourselves.

We begin by touching on the historical and political developments that led to this state of being, before exploring our behaviour as explained by the ‘rational actor theory’. As part of this, we highlight the phenomena of conspicuous consumerism as well as the problem with the decline of 'third spaces' in society. We also discuss (and critique) the role of individualism in the self care industry and the way we view our psychological states, focusing on pop-psychology and the privatisation of mental healthcare from communities. Finally, we talk about both the positive and negative role of individualism in identity politics, particularly within feminist schools of thought.