postmodernists Flashcards
intro
The main contribution of postmodernist theory to an
understanding of society is that it provides an alternative
perspective to classical theories such as Functionalism and
Marxism. In fact, postmodernism rejects the objective truth claims
of classical theories by stating that as society is always changing, ideas of truth constantly change. Postmodernists say that as it is
impossible to discover an objective truth (Item C), researchers can only hope to achieve an understanding of society through observation.
However, critics of postmodernism say the theory is too abstract and offers little evidence in support of the sweeping statements that it makes.
beliefs are relative 1
In the postmodern age, all beliefs are said to be relative. The meta narratives of the past that claimed to have the answers to the world’s problems, such as Marxism and Capitalism, are dismissed because there is no objective way of determining the truth of such theories. Postmodernists take a relative view and argue that such theories are true for those who choose to believe them, but they have no right to impose their beliefs on everyone.
All accounts of reality are equally valid. Lyotard said that knowledge is not the same as truth; the knowledge contained in meta narratives is just a subjective way of seeing the world.
1 a03
However, critics of postmodernism say it is just another metanarrative and as such, according to their own theory, should be dismissed. Nevertheless, other postmodernists argue that relativism is the result of globalisation which has created a fragmented and unstable society.
There is no longer a set of values shared by members of society. Confronted by so many different versions of the truth people cease to believe in any one version. Therefore, people are free to construct their own identity from the wide range of images and lifestyles on offer by the media.
pick and mix
People are offered ‘pick and mix’ approach to identity in postmodern society and people can easily change their identity by simply changing their beliefs or even their consumption patterns. For example, in mixing western and eastern cultures in food and dress and in mixing Christianity with a belief in faith healing and spiritualism.
Therefore, a global culture has emerged with the same consumer goods sold in many countries and, as a result, countries lose their own separate cultural identity. Economic migration has also reduced national identity as people become subject to many foreign influences in their lifestyle choices.
globalisation
In the postmodern age the world is borderless with governments less able to control what happens within their frontiers. Real power is said to belong to TNC’s and multinational organisations’ such as the EU, UN and NATO. Such organisations have weakened the influence not only of the nation state, but also of individuals to influence decision making in society.
However, although Giddens agrees that culture is unstable, he dismisses postmodernism and say that today people are living in an age of high modernity characterised by rapid change. He says people still have the power to change society and to take action to minimise the high risks they face today.
conc
In conclusion, globalisation has changed the world, and postmodernism is a new theory that explains its effect on society and people. However, Marxists criticise postmodernism for ignoring the way the ruling class use the media as a tool of domination and hegemony. The ruling class has the power to impose culture on people and to create false consciousness.
conc
In conclusion, globalisation has changed the world, and postmodernism is a new theory that explains its effect on society and people. However, Marxists criticise postmodernism for ignoring the way the ruling class use the media as a tool of domination and hegemony. The ruling class has the power to impose culture on people and to create false consciousness.
