Globalisation, modernity, postmodernity Flashcards
What is Modernity?
The belief that society can progress through the use of human reason.
What are the four characteristics of modern society?
- The nation state
- Capitalism
- Rationality, science, and tech
- Individualism
What role does the nation state play in modern society?
It is the focal point of modern society, a source of identity, and creates institutions to regulate citizens.
What is capitalism in the context of modernity?
Private ownership through wage labourers, regulated and maintained by the nation state.
How has rationality, science, and technology changed in modernity?
Magico-religious explanations have declined, and science has become important, e.g., in medicine.
What does individualism mean in modern society?
People have greater personal freedom and can choose their own identity.
What characterizes Postmodernity?
Views on knowledge, identity, and science that challenge modernist perspectives.
What is the postmodern view on knowledge?
A relativist position where any view holds truth as long as it is true to the individual.
What does Lyotard argue about knowledge?
Knowledge is a series of different language games.
What does Baudrillard argue about reality?
We no longer live in reality but are bombarded with artificial images and ideas (simulacra).
What is a criticism of the postmodern view on knowledge?
Assuming all views are true can lead to morally indefensible positions, such as denying historical atrocities.
How is identity constructed in postmodernity?
Identity can be constructed by the wide range of images and lifestyles offered in the media.
What does Hervieu Leger argue about religion in postmodernity?
Individuals take a ‘pick and mix’ approach to religion, acting as spiritual shoppers.
What is a criticism of the ‘pick and mix’ approach to religion?
It overlooks the effect of poverty in restricting opportunities for identity construction.
What do postmodernists argue about science and rational thinking?
They argue that science has not improved society but has caused issues like war and global warming.
What does Drane argue about truth in science?
Truth has been lost in science and metanarratives that claim to have the truth.
What is Harvey’s criticism of postmodern views on knowledge?
He argues that knowledge can be used to improve society.
What is Giddens’ individualisation thesis?
Tradition and customs are no longer important, leading to reflexive individuals who monitor their actions.
What is a criticism of the individualisation thesis?
Postmodernists argue that we cannot make rational plans to reduce risks in society.
What is Beck’s view on risk society?
We now face manufactured risks, such as global warming, rather than just natural disasters.
What does Hirst argue about environmental movements?
They are too fragmented to challenge capitalism and bring about change.
What do Marxist theories of postmodernism argue?
Postmodernity is the latest phase of capitalism, aiming to profit in new ways.
What is flexible accumulation according to Harvey?
A new regime of accumulation that replaced the rigid Fordist mass production system.
How have leisure, culture, and identity changed in postmodernity?
They have become commodities, such as fashion and sport.
