In the sixties and seventies the public spheres in Western countries were places of critique. Various kinds of social movements democratised institutions and political culture. Today neoliberal politics and populist movements have transformed these arenas into theatres of real challenge to democracy. The outcome of this challenge will depend on how democratic political actors make their presence felt in the public sphere.

Walter Privitera is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Milan-Bicocca. He works in the areas of cultural sociology and social theory. Current primary research interests include the public sphere, theories of individualisation as well as Europe and its changes. His most recent books are Tecnica, individuo e società (2004), Sfera pubblica e democratizzazione (2012), Gli usi della sfera pubblica (2012).