Why Borders Matter

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Western society has become disconnected from the borders and social boundaries that have historically provided meaning to human experience. This book contends that the controversy surrounding mass migration and physical borders is intricately linked to the debates over the symbolic boundaries essential for navigating everyday life. Many commentators assert that borders have lost relevance in the era of mass migration and globalization, with some advocating for 'No Borders.' However, it is not just national boundaries that face scrutiny; traditional distinctions separating adults from children, men from women, citizens from non-citizens, and the private from the public are often deemed arbitrary or unjust. Paradoxically, the push to eliminate conventional boundaries coexists with the need to establish new ones. No-Border advocates seek safe spaces, while opponents of cultural appropriation call for language policing, and identity politics proponents erect barriers to protect their identities. The author argues that the confusion surrounding borders stems from society's struggle to imbue experiences with meaning. A notable symptom of this trend is the cultural devaluation of judgment, resulting in unclear moral boundaries in daily life. The infantilization of adults and the adultification of children exemplify the consequences of non-judgmentalism. Written clearly, this book targets students and scholars in cultural sociology, s