Analysis Question: Modern Individualism

"Modern individualism seems to be producing a way of life that is neither individually nor socially viable, yet a return to traditional forms would be to return to intolerable discrimination and oppression" (p. 144)

I guess I'm not really sure how we're supposed to respond to this quote, but from what I read, the author does not like the way life is right now. In what way is modern individualism producing this way of life that the author describes? It is true that if we went back in time and lived the way we used to, there definitely would be more discrimination and oppression. We have come a long way as a nation to reduce racism, sexism, and all the other "isms" out there. It seems like this author has a negative outlook on life as it is now, but I think it would be helpful if he or she explained in what ways modern individualism is "producing a way of life that is neither individually nor socially viable".