Liquid Modernity in Arabic

Social theory can be best approached as a metaphorical endeavor to achieve a better understanding of sociocultural transformations. Metaphors are often used in social theory as abstract models or ideal types that try to capture a dominant paradigm rather than the minute details of complex sociocultural realities. It is in this sense that the uses of metaphors might be influenced by personal experience, subjective opinions, eclectic approaches, and cultural bias. One of the most popular metaphors currently circulating in Arabic discourse is that of “liquid modernity,” introduced by both Polish-born British sociologist Zygmunt Bauman (1925–2017) and Egyptian intellectual Abdelwahab Elmessiri (1938–2008). This metaphor is used to explore various changes in social relations, religious discourses, and even the ultimate aims of Islam itself. The chapter aims to address the current relevance of this metaphor and the different ways in which it is used in Arabic.