Dynamics of Self-Optimisation : An Introduction

Abstract

<p>»Dynamiken der Selbstoptimierung: Eine Einführung«. This introduction<br>explores the increasing pervasiveness of discourses and practices of selfoptimisation<br>in present-day societies. These are evident in activities such as<br>self-tracking, fitness training, cosmetic surgery, neuroenhancement, or the<br>consumption of nutritional supplements. The growing appeal and diffusion<br>of these various practices testifies to the overall cultural attraction of self-optimisation,<br>which is a multifaceted phenomenon. Against the dominant interpretation<br>of self-optimisation as mainly driven by the logic of maximisation<br>and growth, we argue that it can also be about minimalism or balance. At the<br>same time, self-optimisation is strongly connected to dynamics of power and<br>social inequality, potentially reinforcing existing social inequalities and creating<br>new forms of domination and control. The paper starts by charting the<br>existing research and theoretical approaches to self-optimisation, presents<br>the contributions to the special issue, addresses a set of key domains of selfoptimisation<br>(therapeutic culture, health and well-being, digital technologies,<br>work, and economy), and finally draws conclusions and suggests some<br>avenues for future research.<br></p>