Theories of late modernity

Question 1

What does the theory of late modernity argue?

Answer 1

• TLM - todays rapid changes are a continuation of modern society
• We are now in late or high modernity, key features of modernity have become intensified
• TLM subscribe to the enlightenment project

Question 2

Giddens: reflexivity

Giddens states we are now in late modernity, it has two key features that encourage globalisation and rapid change?

Answer 2

1. Disembedding - no longer need face to dace contact in order to interact, breaks down geographical barriers
2. Reflexivity - tradition and custom no longer serve as a guide to how we should act. We are thus forced to become reflexive - to reflect on and modify our actions in the light of information about risks. This means we are continually re-evaluating our ideas

Question 3

Giddens: reflexivity

Together Disembedding and Reflexivity account for?

Answer 3

Rapid and widespread nature of social change in high modernity

Question 4

Beck - Risk

Acc to Giddens we now face what?

Answer 4

• New high consequence risks e.g. nuclear war, economic risk, global warming, which are a threat to our freedom
• All of these are man made or man manufactured
• Giddens rejects PM’s belief that we cannot interven to imporve things, he believes we can

Question 5

Beck - Risk

Beck calls these?

Answer 5

Manufactured risks as they result from technology

Question 6

Beck - Risk

Reflexive modernisation?

Answer 6

• Sees late modernity as a period of growing individualisation, in which we become increasingly reflexive
• Tradition now longer governs how we act
• As a result we have to think for ourselves and reflect on the possible consequences of our choice of action

Question 7

Beck - Risk

Unlike postmodernists, Beck and Giddens argue we can make?

Answer 7

Rational plans based on objective knowledge to reduce these risk and achieve progress

Question 8

Evaluation

Answer 8

• Reflectivity sujest we can reflect and change, however not everyone has that option (the poor)
• Ruskin criticises Beck saying its not technology thats the source of risk but capitalism with its pursuit of profit

HOWEVER, TLM DO PROVIDE A SOCIOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVE TO POSTMODERNISM. THEY SHOW THAT A RATIONAL ANALYSIS OF SOCIETY REMAINS POSSIBLE