Unit 3: New Age Movements (Summary_

Became prominent in the 1980s and the term is applied to a range of ideas which are usually spread through aspects of culture (public lectures, meetings and seminars, shops and media).

- Examples: Interest in clairvoyance, a belief in 'spirit guides' and 'spirit masters', various types of meditation and psychotherapy, an interest in self-healing and natural/ traditional remedies for ill health.

Most New Age beliefs focus on helping people experience the best of the outer world via utilitarian individualism (maximisation of material success in business and maximisation of happiness)

Heelas argues that the New Age is only possible because of the nature of modernity which emphasises individualism.

- The appeal reflects the culturally stimulated interest…