Late Modernity Flashcards
What is modernity? most influential theorist?
-The ways of thinking that originated with the rational thinkers of the Enlightenment of the 18th century.
-Weber
Weber
-Believed modernity involved secularisation and move towards scientific rationality and bureaucratisation (hierarchical organisations increasingly used to organise society)
By what year did enormous changes begin to take place ?
-1980s (earlier for feminists) was when changes affected their studies of culture, gender, social class, economy
-Trad modern social characteristics, defined social classes / gender roles, industrial based economic system were no longer accurate
What is late-modernists task?
-To adapt the more traditional theories of sociology to more current ones.
What are the three elements of Becks risk thesis
-Risk society
-Reflexive modernisation
-Individualisation
Becks views
-Modernity introduces risks no other historical period ever had to face.
-In past there were hazards eg famine, plague ect - beyond our control
-In modernity , risks are solvable by ppl, public services, private insurance
-In late/high mod, risks are spirally away from human control-too complex
How has globalisation increased risk?
-They’re not confined to one country, national boundaries of little importance with so much movement of people, money, ideas. Eg disease, pollution, terrorism- not limited.
Are class differences important to shaping people’s lives? (Beck)
-He argues they no longer are, not even the rich can eliminate themselves from risk - could once afford a level of protection from poverty/hygiene
-Calls social class a ‘zombie category’ : appears, but there’s no life left in it.
What does Beck believe about reflexivity?
-Modernity involved ppl becoming more reflexive. Ie reflect upon their lives and consider other ways to act or live.
-Ppl question the political&technical assumptions of modernity.
-So risk & risk avoidance become central to societies culture. This explains the growth of risk assessments, control of children ect.
Does late modernity involve individualisation? (Beck)
-Yes, as we move away from traditional society, where ppls lives used to be mapped out- social position, gender roles, ascribes status.
-However in late modernity, this is more open to decision making and individual choices regarding identity and lifestyle.
Turner, Skegg
-Argues becks distinction between hazard and risk is dubious. People have always faces risk and sought ways to minimise it.
-Strongly criticised beck, for suggesting SC isn’t important, argues increased inequality means class has a rising impact on ppls opportunities
Critique, Elliot
-Ppl believe it’s possible to control the risks beck identifies. This doesn’t require just an individual response, as political movements try to control international risk eg spread of Hiv/Aids
-Elliot: fails to recognise differences in power- rich can minimise risk more
