postmodernist viewpoint

Question 1

key postmodernist viewpoints

Answer 1

reject metanarratives of other stratification theories

the increasing diversity and plurality found in postmodern social life has led to the breakup of collective social identity and class identity

increased affluence and standards of living have led to individuals being faced with a variety of consumer choices about their lifestyle

Question 2

metanarrative

Answer 2

an idea that is presented as a universal truth, or dominant explanation for something

Question 3

fragmentation

Answer 3

identity (e.g. class) , knowledge and experiences are increasingly fragmented, and no longer shared or uniform

Question 4

Pakulski and Waters (1996) - The Death of Class

Answer 4

social class is no longer important to people’s lives and does not have an impact on them

societies are now based upon status conventionalism instead of social class

they do have a quote - not needed tho?

class is a ‘dead concept’ and the only social divisions are status divisions, social positions are more determined by cultural and lifestyle choices

Question 5

British Social Attitudes survey - 2023

Answer 5

people are just as likely as they were in the 1980’s to identify as middle or working class and that this affects their opportunities

77% say that social class affect’s someones opportunities a ‘great deal’ or ‘quite a lot’

contests pakulski and Waters as it demonstrates people see themselves as a part of a social class

Question 6

increase in class fragmentation

Answer 6

pluralism

identity politics

fluid stratification system

globalisation

no norm in family type - large family diversity