Byung-Chul Han explores the social crisis of declining respect

Philosopher Byung-Chul Han explores the erosion of social cohesion in his work “Sin respeto: Una crisis social” (Without Respect: A Social Crisis). The text examines how the absence of respect—defined as the recognition of the other in their uniqueness—contributes to modern social, political, and systemic crises.

Han argues that neoliberalism and the performance-driven society foster narcissism and fragmentation. Instead of building community, the current social structure encourages constant comparison and the isolation of individuals. This environment often leads to the humiliation and abandonment of those who do not succeed within the prevailing economic regime.

The work also highlights the role of digital society and social media in accelerating this trend. Han suggests that individuals have become commodities, viewing others through a lens of consumption and hedonism rather than as fellow members of a society. This shift from valuing people to merely pricing them contributes to a loss of authority, prestige, and genuine human connection.