Global transformations of individualised societies: implications and lessons to be learned

In this work, we have studied the theoretical aspects of nature, effects of formation and development of two phenomena of our time ? individualisation of personality and formation of individualised societies. The study evidences that social life in the context of individualisation has both multiple opportunities for selfactualisation, individual’s prioritisation and contradictions, unexpected consequences and asymmetries that surround ‘individuals’. The flip side of the individualisation trend includes lack of stability, predictability, sustainability of a society members, weaker involvement of economically active population in group interaction, as well as erosion of cultural solidarity, ‘atomisation’ of people due to loss of usual, traditional social relations. This article contains the author’s concept of overcoming the ‘negative’, false individualism. There might be much sense in the idea suggesting that the opposition between individualism and collectivism, an individual and society, freedom and socialisation can be overcome, but not by removing of some elements, or underrating of some values, or ignoring the need for their development. The inclusion of opposing phenomena and processes in today’s more comprehensive and complex mental schemes helps us deploy efficient and socially relevant projects for sustainable economic and social development.