Postmodernism Flashcards
Hyper-reality - Baudrillard
E - Baidrillard argues in postmodern society we live in hyper-reality, where media doesnt reflect reality but creates it e.g. through social media, people constructs versions of themselves that may have little connection to their lives such as IG.
EVAL - Best & Kellner - this theory is weak, its useful when xplain9ng society but fails to explain how society came about.
Therefore, this new society has left modernist theories useless as they do not take on an explanation into this new era of society.
Risk society - Beck (1992)
E - Beck argues society ha changed but members of it are still controlled by rationality, science and institutions.
E - Can be used to explain why society should be described as postmodern as it explains how global risks such as climate change or pandemics are managed by science and certain systems - society is progressing but not in a post modern era as people still have things in common e.g. taste in food, music.
E - Hirt - movements such as environmentalism are unable to bring about change which Beck suggests are too fragmented.
Therefore, everyone has their ow versions of society, so people an do own thing.
Consumer culture - Bauman & Feaherstone
E - Argue individuals construct their identity through fashion, lifestyle and consumption choices - personal freedom and diversity - can be seen in rise of online subcultures and digital identities - people express interests, sexuality and styles - identity is shaped by structural inequalities.
EVAL - Marxists - peoples identities are still shaped by structural inequalities e.g. WC may not have same access to consumer goods or CC as MC.
therefore, capitalism prevents society moving into a postmodern era.
Conclusion
Postmodernists offer a valuable insight into cultural and technological changes in society today - identity, media and consumption.
However their view that we have entirely moved beyond modernity is overstated. Structural inequalities persist, science and institutions still play a vital role in society and many people still seek stability and meaning through traditional sources.
