THE AGE OF NARCISSISM: A CULTURAL CRITIQUE OF THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to show that the few theories surrounding the New Age movement are inaccurate, unfounded and even dangerous. By looking at the larger cultural contexts of advanced industrial societies, I argue that the New Age is a product of the culture of narcissism. The growing holistic healing practices, which New Age ideas and practices can best be understood, show the desperate need for us to make some sense of things. The search to unite body, mind and spirit emerges as a protective shield to guard off any unpleasant things that the world gives us. Even though the New Age movement has narcissistic tendencies, these leanings are solely brought about by survivalism: that self-awareness is the initial step to try to make a difference in the world. The result of this study is to dispel the myths that we, as participants of popular culture, have about the New Age movement and to judge it with sound facts, data and observation.