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Because theories of globalization are relatively recent and Giddens continues to develop his theories of modern life, these constitute very much a ‘work in progress’. The ideas he has developed have been taken in fruitful directions by other sociologists, and, in that sense, he has provided a theoretical framework and some conceptual tools for younger generations to take forward. As is evident from the contribution of the critics of his work on modernity, reflexivity and trust relationships, this has provoked much sociological debate. No doubt it will continue to do so in the future and readers will come to their own assessment of it.

Under conditions of globalization, people are faced with a new individualism, in which they actively construct their own identities. The social codes that previously guided people’s choices and activities have significantly loosened. That eldest son of a tailor could now choose numerous paths to construct his future, and women are no longer restricted to the domestic realm. Girls do better than boys in most school subjects, women make up a majority of students in higher education, and more women work in the formal economy than before the 1960s and 1970s, often in jobs with attractive career paths. The social norms that guided an older generation’s gendered expectations are no longer appropriate for the lives of their children as norms continue to change.

Globalization processes press people to live in more open, reflexive ways, responding and adjusting to their changing environment. Even the small choices we make in our daily lives – what we wear, how we spend our leisure time, and how we take care of our health and our bodies – are part of the ongoing process of creation and re-creation of self-identity. A simple conclusion is to say that people in many countries today have lost a clear sense of belonging but gained more freedom of choice. Whether this constitutes ‘progress’ is part of continuing debates on the pros and cons of globalization.