The Fate of Social Character in an Age of Uncertainty

This paper develops the longstanding sociological tradition of ‘character studies’ (Riesman, 1969 [1950]), arguing that the accelerated change and associated uncertainties central to late modern life have been accompanied by a new opportunity-directed form of individuality. Engaging with Sayer’s (2019) agenda-setting return to the subject, we acknowledge the ideological uses to which the promotion of this characterological form may be put, but argue that its core qualities can help suitably situated persons negotiate radical uncertainty via a reflexive, future-oriented commitment to agency. Despite the advantages of this orientation in the contemporary era, however, we conclude by suggesting that opportunity-directedness is associated with certain ‘pathologies’, involving psychological costs and social inequalities, that raise questions about its desirability and sustainability.