Postmodernism (40)

Question 1

Postmodernism

Answer 1

An approach that attempts to define how society has progressed to an era beyond modernity.

Question 2

Inequality is Caused by?

Answer 2

-Society is unorganised and fragmented
-Inequalities aren’t an actual social problem.
Theories by Marx and Weber cannot explain modern societies as they are no longer relevant
People in the 21st century see themselves much more as individuals than as a social class.

Question 3

Social Change

Answer 3

Is Inevitable. Unplanned. In varying significance. Concerning.

Question 4

Social Change and Inequality

Answer 4

Unplanned nature causes more disruption for some than others.
Introduces inequalities they didn’t experience before.

Question 5

Lyotard (1979)

Answer 5

Our identities are constructed from what we consume due to the rise of choice and a ‘hyper-reality’ from the media in that we move away from social relations to ones with a consumer lifestyle that may cause inequality for some as they lack things others have.

Question 6

Hall (1993)

Answer 6

The concept of ‘hybridisation’
Due to the mixing of cultures, there is a lack of distinction between different ethnicities which diminishes racism and so their social inequality with any they still experience being in their head.

Question 7

Bauman (1990s)

Answer 7

‘liquid modernity’
Describes how our identities can be selected due to the variety of choices in a postmodern society rejecting the idea of ascribed status

Question 8

Social Exclusion and Inequality

Answer 8

• Fragmentation causes people to get excluded when they lack engagement with society.
• Consequently, suffer from group circumstances like poor education and criminal history, so unemployable.
• Causing inequality as not the same opportunities

Question 9

Inequality in the Family

Answer 9

It’s a choice so none/Choose to be married or to have children.

Question 10

Inequality in the Workplace

Answer 10

Loss of occupational status means men especially no longer have a sense of what it really means to be masculine/Causing a crisis

Question 11

The Media and Inequality

Answer 11

Inequality by not being able to afford what others can.

Question 12

Criticisms of Postmodernism

Answer 12

• No explanation as to why inequality takes place/they just don’t exist
• Some identities are not a choice and cannot be changed

Question 13

Conclusion

Answer 13

• Inequality doesn’t exist

- In our heads as we react differently