Postmodernism Flashcards
postmodernism - what is modernity
refers to urbanisation of industrialised world from a period when society was guided mainly by ordered scientific thinking
modernist ideology
modernist theories are structural theories (marxism and functionalism)
part of enlightenment project - aims to explain the way in whcih modern society works and what needs to be done to progress into a better future
metanarratives - look at overall pictures of truth within society (e.g., suggest that society is now increasingly affected by globalisation, and we live in one interdependent ‘global village’ through which our lives are shaped by a global framework)
features of modernity
capitalism - economic system based largely on industrial production
rationality - scientific way of thinking (secularisation)
globalisation - tech advances, economic changes, political changes, changes in culture and identity, nation states (individual countries with distinct borders)
postmodernism key features
truth is relative (metanarratives)
choice and uncertainty
consumerism is all
postmodernism
things changed so much and rapidly
modernist perspectives outdated - postmodernist more useful in understanding today’s society
society moved on from ordered societies of modernity through changes such as ‘pluralism of culture’ - people interpret society and own identities in different ways
depending on circumstances rather than ‘value consensus’
moved away from metanarratives - allow us to understand varying viewpoints on the problems within social would (truth as relative)
no claim on the truth - only variety of ways at looking at the world
postmodernist key thinkers - Baudrillard
Simulacra
describes situation as hyper-reality where the connotations of these social signs begin to appear more real than reality itself
society allows us to differentiate ourselves from others by consumer items and the signs they hold
theories like this vital to understanding a society where everything has already happened and nothing new can occur
Postmodernist key thinkers - Lyotard
metanarratives (knowledge no longer authority)
all accounts of reality are equally valid
competing views of postmodern societies are preferable to the metanarratives of modern society
allows marginalised groups to have their views presented and heard in society
postmodernist view is important in helping us to understand the diversity of society
late modernity (key critique of post-modernism)
key features of modernity intensified
changed continuation of modernity itself
e.g., social change always been feature of modern society - no new theories needed to help us understand society
Late modernity - Giddens
high modernity - chief characteristic being the speed and volume of social change brought about by tech advances and globalisation
disembedding - social interactions became disembedded
no longer need face to face contact (e.g., work, shop, and spend leisure time online in our virtual reality where we no longer need people)
reflexivity - nothing is fixed/ permanent, everything up for challenge
can no longer rely on tradition to guide our actions
instead constantly reflecting on how we should behave in social situations
still highlights impacts of major structures in society (e.g., international trade) which have an impact on our lives
useful in helping us understand the widespread nature of social change within society
Late modernity - Beck
risk society - growing individualisation more reflexive (taking into account risks from different causes of action)
risk consciousness - increasingly central part of our culture - more aware of perceived risks and seek to avoid/ minimise them
evaluation - strengths
highlighted important cultural changes in media, culture and identity
recognises identities more fluid
provides insight into modern issues
influenced way sociologists research
evaluation - limitations
Ollocks - using obscure imagery and flowery language to disguise nonsense ideas
how can a theory that claims no theory has the truth be accepted
ignores power and inequality (marxism)
