The sociological significance of Bauman’s definition of utopia

In this paper, Bauman?s definition of the concept and phenomenon of utopia will be discussed and further problematized, as an aspect of his theoretical edifice. The main aim is on this basis to highlight the sociological significance of utopia and why we should deal with it. After the introduction, a neo-Marxist interpretation of utopia will be offered, with particular emphasis on Ernst Bloch?s work which will provide interpretative matrix for considering Bauman?s concept. The paper will specifically content that Bauman?s understanding of utopia is essentially Marxist, and very close to Bloch?s. Bauman?s elaboration of the concept will be examined, both in the context of ?solid? and of ?liquid? modernity. Finally, an analytical connection will be tentatively made between Bauman?s understanding of utopia and the current student movement in Serbia.