post modernism Flashcards
why is post modernism not an actual sociological theory?
unlike marxism or functionalism, post modernists do not always agree with each other.
when was this society? (m vs pm)
1900 - 1980
1980s onwards
what was identity like in this society? (m vs pm)
identity fixed
complex identities
what was family structure like in this society? (m vs pm)
family structure stable (nuclear family etc.)
family diversity
what were gender roles like in this society? (m vs pm)
traditional roles in the family
increasingly negotiated roles in the family
what was technology like in this society? (m vs pm)
limited access to technology
huge advances in IT (PCs, smartphones)
what was the media like in this society? (m vs pm)
media less developed
huge array of media widely accessible in a range of forms
how was religion and science viewed in this society? (m vs pm)
science and religion seen as important, containing all the answer’s to life questions
secularisation (a decline in traditional religious beliefs). less faith in science and a range of new forms of religion and ideas
what was social change like in this society? (m vs pm)
little social change
rapid global social change
what was work like in this society? (m vs pm)
work locally, factory / office / professional
work becomes reliant on IT skills and involves working all over the world (virtually or face to face). large rise in service industry and multinational companies.
what is national identity like in this society? ( m vs pm)
nationality is important and stable
national identity less important for some, and more important for others. global ideas spread around the world and cultural ideas are shared.
what was social expectations like in this society? (m vs pm)
greater expectation to conform to shared social norms
greater individualisation, more likely to act in your own interest rather than do what you feel you are expected to do
explain the difference between modern and postmodern society.
a rise in technology and advances in society has shifted thinking from modern to post-modern way. identities have become more complex, family diversity has developed and importance and prevalence of religion has significantly declined.
why can’t postmodernism be labelled?
the labels typically used (structural / agency, micro / macro, conflict / consensus) are considered to be linked to ideas of modernity, hence they cant be used.
why do post-modernists feel that modern theories shouldn’t be used?
- previous theories make generalisations and employ key variables such as gender and class. while these are still important, there are other factors to consider such as ethnicity
- large scale theories (functionalism, marxism etc.) aren’t suitable as they tend to overly simplify social life
