Marxist theories of postmodernity

Question 1

Jameson and Harvey

Answer 1

• Believe in the enlightenment project for achieving objective knowledge
• However, they agree with PM’s that we have moved from modernity to postmodernity. They agree that there’s been major changes in society, and emphasise the importance of media, images and diversity
• They dont see it as a break with the past, they see it as the most recent stage of capitalism

Question 2

Flexible accumulation (Post-Fordism)

What did postmodernity give rise to?

Answer 2

• A new way of achieving profitability
• It involves the use of ICT, an expanded service and finance sector, job insecurity and working ‘flexibility’ to fit employers needs
• Involves production of customised products for ‘niche’ markets, rather than mass markets

Question 2

Flexible accumulation (Post-Fordism)

The features include?

Answer 2

• Customised products promote cultural diversity
• Easy switching of production from one to another
• Leisure, culture and identity become commoditites produced for profit
• Global finance markets and ICT produce comporession of time and space