Postmodernism Flashcards
What is Postmodernity?
The idea that society has progressed beyond modernity, now entering an entirely new era of society which is characterised by globalisation: interconnectedness where we live in one ‘global village’, lives shaped by other countries.
What are the 4 reasons for Postmodernity?
Technological changes, Economic Changes (geographical mobility for employment), Political Changes and Changes in Culture and Identity.
What does Lyotard theorise?
We are in postmodernity because society is changing constantly and rapidly - society is chaotic, cannot be understood by modern theories.
What is a metanarrative? (Lyotard)
Big stories which people use to explain everything in the world, such as Functionalism. Lyotard argues that we now have lots of smaller stories that fit different groups of people; no longer one-size-fits-all.
What are Language Games? (Lyotard)
Different ways people use language to understand and talk about the world = People have their own rules for what is true and what is important.
- There is not one correct way to use language/a single truth; many ways that are all valid in their own contexts - all knowledge is valid.
What is a Universal Truth? (Lyotard)
Ideas that are supposed to be true for everyone. E.g: the world is round. = Argues that there aren’t universal truths anymore = what people see as true depends on their individuality (culture, experiences, language games).
The truth can be different for different people depending on the situation.
- Allows marginalised groups to be heard.
Evaluation of Lyotard:
- Assuming all views are equally true is morally wrong.
- Hypocritical, as Postmodernism is a metanarrative itself.
What does Bauman theorise?
People create their identities by “picking and mixing” from a wide range of options, rather than sticking to traditional roles. Society is less fixed and is more focused on individualism.
- Consumer culture, etc shapes how people see themselves = identity is fluid, flexible, and sometimes uncertain.
Evaluation of Bauman:
- The claim that we freely construct our identities through consumption overlooks the effect of poverty in restricting opportunities = can only have an identity if you can afford it.
What does Baudrillard theorise?
Agrees with Lyotard, but is not positive about the future.
- The media is powerful in shaping how we see the world, creating a version of reality which affects how we view actual events/the world. = also, media affects us more deeply than what is really happening in the world.
What is Simulacra?
Copies or images of things that may not have an original version.
3 different types of orders:
First = copy which is close to original.
Second = copy that changes/hides the original.
Third = copy with no original; creates own version of reality.
E.g: Disneyland, VR, Modern Art as third order simulacra.
What is Hyperreality?
When simulations or images become more real to us than actual reality. E.g: media creates experiences that feel more intense/perfect than real life.
- People treat these simulations as if they are real, even though they are just idealised views of the world. E.g: Love Island.
Evaluation of Baudrillard:
- Ignores power and inequality, such as media being a tool of the ruling classes to brainwash the working-class into false class consciousness. NOT unconnected with reality.
- Wrong to claim that we cannot distinguish between reality and media, more complex.
