Beyond Individualism; The Culture of Self & Effects of Alienation

The dominant response to the great crises we face individually and collectively is either "we can't do anything" or "I can do anything". These two extremes of "reflexive impotence" and "magical voluntarism" feature heavily in the work of Mark Fisher, who drew clear links between mental health challenges and the questions of class consciousness and capital. Fisher recognised these defeatist and individualist ideas as two sides of the same coin. He also recognised them as both the cause and the effect of the low class consciousness: the failure to recognise our collective power and our collective interest. Importantly, Fisher put his analysis in the context of mental health, notably using his own experience with depression.

In this session of Connolly Conversations, we talk about the relationship between the individual and the collective through the prism of mental health and visions for a future beyond capitalism, individualism, and defeatism. We talk about the crises our society faces, their effect on the individual, and the duty of care in organising.

Our speakers:

Gavin Brewis is a published PhD researcher and occasional lecturer. He is a member of the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit (SPIRU), an Associate Member of the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR), and sits on the Doctoral Research Committe for the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH). Gavin's research interests include class, culture, psychosocial trauma, and emotions.

Louise Taylor is an Early Career Researcher and therapist committed to working with activists and academics to highlight the importance of mental health, wellness, and equity in the struggle for climate justice. She is passionate about supporting activists on the frontline of environmental struggles, whether in the Sperrin Mountains or in Uganda. Her research uses an Ecofeminist perspective to explore the link between health and wellness in a time of climate chaos. Louise is an activist academic, a mother and a neurodivergent consultant who believes we must embody our work and live in such a way that we make our lives art.

Cillian Ó Riain is a student activist and organiser based in Kerry and Cork. Member of the Communist Party of Ireland, Cillian does organising work within Tromlach, a left-wing community organising campaign.

Host or Publisher Connolly Books