Modernity and postmodernity

• What do modernists believe about discovering truths in society?

  They believe that truths can be discovered through rational thinking.
• How do postmodernists view the concept of truth?

  They argue that 'truth' doesn't even exist.
• What does modernity refer to?

  • The modern, industrial, ordered world
  • The rise of mass production, urbanization, and state bureaucracy
  • The industrial world that began to emerge in Western Europe in the late eighteenth century
• What was the guiding principle of studies during the period of modernity?

  Studies were guided by ordered, rational scientific thinking.
• What are the two main modernist sociological theories mentioned?

  The structuralist theories of Marxism and functionalism.
• What do modernist theories aim to investigate?

  They aim to investigate the world scientifically and explain societal evolution and arrangement.
• What are 'metanarratives' in the context of modernist theories?

  They are grand theories that try to make sense of other stories and provide overarching explanations.
• How do modernists claim their position regarding truth?

  They claim a monopoly of truth, asserting they are objectively right about society.
• What are the key characteristics of postmodernism according to postmodernists?

  • Society has progressed from the ordered world of modernity.
  • Work has become more flexible, with service industries taking over manufacturing.
  • There is an emphasis on the consumption of cultural products.
  • Pluralism of culture and roles exists, with individuals interpreting society in various ways.
  • Globalization has affected production and communication.
• What does globalization refer to in the context of postmodernism?

  It refers to the diminishing importance of boundaries between states and the global economy.
• How has technology impacted communication in postmodern society?


  Technology has improved communications between countries.
• What is the role of transnational corporations (TNC) in the global economy?

  They contribute to a more global economy.
• What do postmodernists argue about metanarratives?

  They argue that metanarratives like functionalism cannot answer all questions about the social world.
• What is the relativist position in postmodernism?


  It asserts that all versions of truth are valid for those who believe in them.
• What does Wittgenstein's argument about language imply?


  It implies that meaning is constructed through the use of language rather than having fixed definitions.
• What is Baudrillard's view on postmodern society?

  He believes it is more about consumption than production.
• What is a signifier according to Baudrillard?

  A signifier is something you can see or hear, like a red traffic light.
• What does Baudrillard mean by simulacra?

  Simulacra are signs that do not relate to any real things, as there is no agreed definition of what is real.
• What is hyper-reality according to Baudrillard?


  Hyper-reality is the inability to distinguish what is real from what is not, where simulacra take over from reality.
• How does Baudrillard view the media's role in society?


  He is critical of the media, claiming it confuses what is real with representations of reality.
• What are the criticisms of postmodernism by structuralists and action theorists?

  • Postmodernists emphasize culture and media in identity creation, which upsets action theorists.
  • They ignore relationships between social institutions, upsetting structuralists.
  • Marxists criticize postmodernism for ignoring inequalities.
• What does Giddens argue about the state of society?

  He argues that we are in a state of late modernity, a continuation of modernity rather than a break from it.
• What are the two key concepts Giddens identifies that accelerate changes in late modernity?

  Reflexivity and disembedding.
• How does Giddens describe the risks associated with late modernity?

  He describes it as a state with high risks, such as war, economic collapse, or environmental disaster.
• What is Beck's concept of 'risk consciousness'?

  It refers to the awareness of individuals taking responsibility for their actions and their consequences.
• How does Beck believe society can be improved?

  He believes society can be improved by minimizing risks on a political scale.
• What are the warm-up questions related to postmodernism and late modernity?

  1. List three ways in which society has progressed from modernity, according to postmodernists.
  2. In what way can postmodernist theories be said to contradict themselves?
  3. Which theory is more optimistic about our ability to improve society, postmodernism or late modernity?
  4. What is 'disembedding'?
• What do postmodernists argue about the flexibility of today's society?

  They argue that today's society is too flexible and varied to be understood by one overarching logical theory.
• How do postmodernists view the relevance of theories like Marxism and feminism?

  They claim these theories are too narrowly focused to explain the workings of a globalized world.
• What is the significance of the phrase "look both ways for the juggernaut of modernity"?

  It suggests being cautious of the overwhelming force of modernity in society.