Modernity and Postmodernity Flashcards
What are the 6 main components of postmodernism?
Globalisation
Metanarratives and the ‘Myth of Truth’
Choice, identity and consumption
Media-saturated society
Pick ‘n’ mix identities
You are what you buy
What is Bauman’s idea of liquid modernity?
Society is chaotic + constantly changing
Social structures are breaking down
Critique of metanarratives
Postmodernists argue that they’re too general - they can’t be applied to today’s society due to it’s chaotic nature
Choice, identity and consumption
Lyotard suggests postmodern societies are characterized by growing individualism - there is now only a mass of individuals, with few social bonds connecting them
Pick ‘n’ mix identities
Individuals identity no longer formed by factors such as class, ethnicity or gender
Strengths of postmodernist theory
Emphasizes the construction of people’s identities are now fluid and complex
Challenges metanarratives
Highlighted some important cultural changes
Weaknesses of postmodernist theory
Doesn’t offer a vision for improving society
Over-emphasized the role of the media
Exaggerated the scale of cultural change
Too voluntaristic
Giddens…
Late modernity and reflexivity
Beck…
Risk society and reflexive modernity
How does Giddens criticise postmodernism?
Does not dispute the fact that society has changed due to globalisation
States changes are a continuation of modern society and now entered late modernity not postmodernity
What is late modernity characterized by according to Giddens?
Social reflexivity
Beck criticism of postmodernity
New phase of modernity -
High levels of uncertainty and risk in what he calls ‘risk society’O
