Abstract

The new structural tendencies inherent in the process of globalizing modernity and based on the market and instrumental rationality are generating implosive socialization, loss of culture, a subjectivity model leading to regressive individualism, and the downfall of traditional socio-cultural and identity producing structures.  Its ultimate consequence is the emergence of a phenomenon causing the “pulverization of all social behavior,” understood as the matrix that provides signification to the interaction fabric of any given society, and the appearance of an instrumental ethic in its stead.  The impact of this civilizing process in South America as a whole has been devastating and particularly so in Venezuela where social violence has increased beyond reasonable bounds in the last decades.

Key words: Social violence, globalizing modernity, pulverization of social behavior, loss of culture, imploding socialization.