modernism Flashcards
features of modern society
The nation state
Capitalism
Rationality, science and tech
individualism
nation state
A centralised state with a common language and culture E.g. parliament, union flag, NHS. The key political unit in modern society. It is a focal point of modern society organising local life on a national basis, modern states have created large administrative bureaucracies and educational and welfare institutions to regulate their citizen’s lives it also acts as an important source of identity for citizens who identify with its symbols such as the flag
capitalism
The economy of modern societies is capitalist, based on private ownership of the means of production and the use of wage labourers. Capitalism has brought about the industrialisation of modern society with huge increases in wealth, However, it is unequal resulting in class conflict. The nation-state becomes important in regulating capitalism and maintaining the conditions under which it operates Urry described this as organised capitalism. Production in modern society is organised on Fordist principles The mass production of standardised products using low skilled labour. This creates cheap goods leading to a rise in living
standards
rationality science and technology
Science is more important than religion for developing
societies. Science plays a central role in developing industry, medicine, and communications. Scientific ways of thinking dominate and religious explanations declines.
individualism
tradition, custom and ascribed status becomes less important as the basis for our actions. People have more personal freedom and can increasingly choose our own course in life and define our own identity - however, structural inequalities remains important in shaping people’s identity and restricting their choices
Features of Modern Globalisation
Technological changes
Economic Changes
Political Changes
Changes in culture and identity
technological changes
we can now cross entire continents in a matter of hours or exchange information across the globe with the click of a mouse. We can travel the globe cheaply and easily (air travel). We can connect to other countries instantly through the internet and international news. Tech has closed distances between people. It also brings risks on a global scale for example, greenhouse gases produced in one place contribute to global climate change that leads to a rise in sea levels and flooding in low-lying countries. Beck argues that we are now living in a risk society where increasingly the threats to our well being come from human made technology
economic changes
Economic activity now takes place within a set of global networks that are creating even greater interconnectedness. The global economy is increasingly a weightless or electronic economy. We now live in a 24 hour global economy. The exporting of money, goods, and culture occurs 24/7. You can buy a McDonalds or Starbucks anywhere in the world! This contributes to a risk society
