Anomie in the UK? Can cultural malaise threaten the fruition of the ideas-informed society?

Abstract

Background: The ideas-informed society represents a desired situation in which: 1) citizens see value in staying up to date, and; 2) citizens regularly keep themselves up to date by actively, openly and critically engaging with new ideas, developments and claims to truth. As a result, it is hoped citizens become increasingly knowledgeable, better able to make good decisions, and better positioned to support new progressive norms and beliefs. Yet despite these potential benefits, a substantive proportion of the population do not value staying up to date, nor attempt to do so. Methods: With this research project we seek to identify whether the theoretical lens of anomie can account for why ‘ideas refusers’ do not engage with ideas, as well as provide clues as to how they might be encouraged to do so. To explore the possible impacts of anomie on ideas-engagement we conducted four online focus groups, interviewing a purposive sample of ten individuals who previously indicated they were ideas refusers. Results: Our findings identify eleven themes which seemingly account for why ideas refusers do not currently engage with ideas. Of these, ten are related to anomie, including themes which encapsulate feelings of frustration, anxiety, confusion and powerlessness regarding the complexities of modern society. Conclusions: We also identify three areas of future focus that might help the ongoing development of the ideas-informed society. These are: 1) the more positive and relevant reporting of ideas; 2) supporting ‘healthy’ face-to-face engagement with ideas; and 3) supporting effective ideas engagement through social media.