Fluid Affiliations: A Dissertation on Neo-Tribes in Contemporary Society
I. Introduction
• Define neo-tribes and their relevance
• Outline the evolution of community theory from static to fluid models
• State research objectives and key questions
• Explain significance of studying neo-tribes in the context of postmodernity
II. Literature Review
• Review foundational works on neo-tribes and postmodern identity
• Contrast static conceptions of community with fluid, transient affiliations
• Analyze related theories: consumer culture, digital communities, and subcultures
• Identify gaps and debates in existing literature regarding modern community formation
III. Theoretical Framework
• Detail the postmodern perspectives underpinning neo-tribes theory
• Incorporate theories of identity, social fluidity, and networked individualism
• Explain relationship to power structures and cultural practices
• Position neo-tribes within broader philosophical and sociological discourses
IV. Methodology
• Explain research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods)
• Describe data collection procedures (e.g., digital ethnography, interviews, case studies)
• Define sampling strategies for capturing diverse neo-tribal manifestations
• Discuss analytical approaches (thematic analysis, discourse analysis) and justify their relevance
V. Analysis and Discussion
• Present case studies or empirical findings illustrating neo-tribe dynamics
• Examine how neo-tribes manifest in consumer habits, digital media, and cultural practices
• Contrast findings with static community models and other postmodern theories
• Discuss implications for understanding identity formation and societal change
VI. Conclusion
• Summarize key insights on neo-tribes and their contribution to community theory
• Reflect on challenges and limitations of the study
• Propose avenues for further research
• Highlight potential impacts on broader social and philosophical understandings of community
VII. References
• Compile a comprehensive list of academic sources, articles, and books that informed the study
This plan outlines the dissertation’s structure, guiding an investigation into neo-tribes as a lens to understand modern, fluid identities against traditional, static community paradigms.