1.1 Postmodernists on identity

Question 1

what do sociologist argue that societies like the UK have done in the latter part of the 20th century?

Answer 1

moved from the modern era to the postmodern era

Question 2

what are the 4 features of postmodern culture?

Answer 2

1. emphasis on image and style
2. choice and diversity of lifestyle
3. rapid social change
4. unstable and fragile identities

Question 3

1. (image and style) what does the media bombard us with?

Answer 3

images
logos
brands

Question 4

1. (image and style) what can we do with the range of images the media provides us?

Answer 4

choose from images and styles to reflect our chosen identities

Question 5

2. (choice and diversity) identities are increasingly chosen as opposed to what?

Answer 5

being imposed by birth or tradition

Question 6

2. (choice and diversity) what does Hobsbawn say identities are like?

Answer 6

shirts we wear as opposed to skin we are born in

Question 7

2. (choice and diversity) what did Hobsbawn mean when he said identity is like shirts we wear?

Answer 7

we can choose and switch between styles, we can even combine different ones

Question 8

3. (rapid social change) why does society in the postmodern era change rapidly?

Answer 8

technology - new types of social interaction

Question 9

3. (rapid social change) how are identities reflecting the changes in society?

Answer 9

becoming more fluid

identity is there to be reinvented

Question 10

4. (unstable and fragile) what have older identities rooted in community and class been undermined by?

Answer 10

social change

Question 11

4. (unstable and fragile) new identities don’t always have a firm sense of what?

Answer 11

roots

Question 12

4. (Unstable and fragile) bauman suggests collapse of traditional communities has led people to search for what?

Answer 12

Other sources of meaning in collective communities

Question 13

4. (Unstable and fragile) give some examples of identity groups:

Answer 13

Gays
Disabled people
Ethnic minorities

Question 14

4. (Unstable and fragile) what do identity groups want from society?

Answer 14

Recognition of their equal worth

Question 15

How can postmodernist be criticised?

Answer 15

Not all free to choose identity

Class, ethnicity and gender are still big influences on peoples identities and lifestyles

Question 16

Give an example of how being poor could still influence a persons identity?

Answer 16

Can’t buy branded products to express identity