Postmodernist perspectives Flashcards
What does Collins (2005) suggest?
That to understand society, the chain of interactions between people must be understood. The use of postmodernism as a micro - sociology approach heps to understand how identity and perception of the world is constructed on social media network sites such as social media. For example, the show catfish focuses on the journey of couples who have formed an online relationship but never met in person
Why do postmodernists see globalisation as a positive phenomenon?
It has created a new class of global consumers in both the developed and developing world, with a greater range of choices from which they can construct a hybridized global idenity
What does Strinati (1995) argue?
Postmodern societies are media saturated as seen in our daily life through increased time online through using the smartphone. Nw forms of digital communication merefly reflect the postmodern condition as the use of internet and satellite removethe distinction between the global and the local to increase consumer choice in the range of knowledge and entertainment available
What are metanarratives and how are they changing?
Metanarratives try to explain society and predict the future such as mainstream vies of religious, scientific and political movements but this has collapsed in the eyes of postmodernise=ts as the fragmentation of knowledge caused by media leads to people to seek multiple interpretations of the truth
What does Hart (2011) argue?
Individuals are using social media to continually write and re - write their biographies as they can pick and choose what they share. Thus, constructing and reconstructing their social world through Facebook reflecting feelings and experiences in a particular context creating a fluid sense of self
What does Ritzer (1993) argue?
He coined the conceot Mcdonalisaion to refer to the global spread of production process and stores in fast-food chains. The main goals of the processes are efficiency, calcuabiliyy, predictability and control that is being applied to all aspects of postmodern life. However, Pitzer criticises this as it has led to the deskilling of works, the turning of consumers into workers (self - service) and a loss of quality. This can be applied to media as in - depth one to one communication is lost for snapchat and Instagram creating a homogenised and controlled online experience. Cookies and targeted ads as a form of control and predictability creating a less meaningful online experices. This portrays a downside of social media as we measure online content through likes, shares and retweets creating more superficial and competitive online environment further supportive by online shopping as products are easy to consume leading to detachment
What does Eliot (2001) argue?
They are pessimistic about the fragmentated nature of identity as a result of sites such as Facebook, whilst others prefer to see new ways of seeing the self as only problematic when considered using modern theories
What does Foucault (1977) argue?
Surveillance is the most effective method of regulating behaviour not power structures. This can be seen through the use of CCTV as people are less likely to commit crime when the chances of being caught is much higher
What does Baurillard (1981) argue about globalisation?
- Simulacra (reality is increasingly being replaced by media representations)
- Implosion of meaning (where signs and symbols lose their connection to reality)
- argue we live in an age of simulation where the line between reality and online representations are blurred as a form of hyperreality
- This can be seen through the episode nosedive of black mirror
- Social media presents an idealised version of their life through appearances and exciting events leading people to prioritize their online persona and seek validation through likes and followers
- It breaks down human connection and authentic experiences
How is hypereality presented?
- Social media: Carefully curated profiles showing only the highlights of people’s lives, creating an illusion of perfection and happiness that rarely reflect people’s lives
- Reality TV: Heavily edited nd manipulated to create dramatic narratives blurring the lines between real - life events and staged performances
- Video games: Immersive virtual worlds that offer expericnes and sensations that can surpass those found in the real world
- Advertising: Stylisitc techniques such as airbrushing, special effects ad idealised models to create an unattainable standard of beauty and desirability
What are the problems of hyperreality?
- Distorts our perception of reality
- Affect our values on fame, wealth and physical perfection
- Detachment and isolation in relationships as it is mediated by technology
What does Jurgenson (2010) argue?
He coined the concept prosumer as individuals no longer just watch TV, listen to the radio or read newspapers as we now participate in media by creating and sharing videos, writing blog posts, online discussions and creating posts. This creates a divide between the ruling class who own and produce media content and the masses who consume it. However, controlled and exploitation still exists through unwaged labour and products circulated for free such as companies targeting ads
What does the digital divide have to do with postmodernists?
it is often overlooked by them as inequalities through income, location, education, age and disability (such as those in rural areas without highspeed media) can manifest in technology. This ca lead to a muted voice who is unable to benefit from the diversity of choices and opportunities that digital communication offers. Furthermore, real - life constraints like social class, gender and race still play a significant role in shaping people’s experiences and identies online
