Globalisation, modernity & postmodernity

• What is the relationship between modernity and globalisation?

  Modernity influences globalisation and vice versa.
• How do individualistic attitudes affect modern society?

  They become crucial for our actions and identity.
• What impact does globalisation have on identity?

  It sweeps away traditional identities and reinforces choices.
• What do sociologists argue about 'global culture'?

  It connects people across national boundaries.
• How is success or failure judged in a globalised world?

  By the interconnectedness of global culture.
• What technological changes have influenced globalisation?

  Satellite communications and the internet.
• What risks does globalisation bring according to Black (1999)?

  Severe risks from human-made technology and disasters.
• How do economic factors contribute to globalisation?

  Through global networks and electronic transactions.
• What is a 'telematic' economy?

  An economy based on electronic information networks.
• What role do transnational companies (TNCs) play in globalisation?

  They operate across borders and organize global production.
• What percentage of global commodities do the largest 500 TNCs account for?

  Half of the total value of commodities.
• How has globalisation affected the power of the nation-state?

  It has undermined the power of national governments.
• Who argues that we live in a borderless world?

  Kenichi Ohmae (1990).
• What is the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in globalisation?

  It connects cultures and spreads values globally.
• How does globalisation affect traditional sources of identity?

  It undermines traditional identities like class.
• What are the key features of postmodernism?

  • Fragmented and relativistic society
  • Characterized by instability and uncertainty
  • Increased individualism and erosion of social solidarity
• What is anti-foundationalism in postmodernism?

  There are no objective criteria for truth.
• What does postmodernism say about the Enlightenment project?

  It claims the project of progress is dead.
• Why do postmodernists reject meta-narratives like Marxism?

  They believe they impose a single version of truth.
• What is Foucault's concept of 'discourse'?

  A set of ideas established as knowledge.
• How does Foucault relate discourse to power?

  Discourse is a crucial element of power dynamics.
• What do theories of late modernity argue about current changes?

  They are a continuation of modernity itself.
• What are the two key features of modernity according to Giddens?

  Disembedding and reflexivity.
• How do late modernity theories view the pace of social change?

  It has accelerated significantly in recent times.
• What is the relationship between postmodernism and the Enlightenment project?

  Postmodernism kills off the Enlightenment project.
• What are the implications of postmodernism for knowledge and truth?

  • No objective criteria for truth
  • All views are equally valid
  • Knowledge is subjective and diverse
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of postmodernism in explaining society?

  Strengths:

  • Highlights diversity of views
  • Challenges absolute truths

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Poorly equipped to explain societal changes
  • Lacks a coherent framework for understanding
• What are the key features of theories of late modernity?

  • Continuation of modernity
  • Acknowledgment of rapid social change
  • Validity of modernist sociology concerns
• How does Giddens define high modernity?

  • Characterized by rapid global change
  • Involves disembedding and reflexivity
• What phase of modernity have we entered according to the text?

  Late phase of modernity
• How do theories of late modernity compare to postmodernism?

  They resemble the enlightenment project
• Who introduced the concept of reflexivity?

  Giddens
• What is a defining characteristic of modern society according to Giddens?

  Experiences rapid change on a global scale
• What are the two key features of modernity mentioned?

  Disembedding and reflexivity
• What does disembedding refer to in Giddens' theory?

  Lifting social relations from local contexts
• How does Giddens describe the role of tradition in high modern society?

  Tradition becomes less important
• What does reflexivity require individuals to do?

  Monitor and reflect on their actions
• What does the concept of reflexivity imply about late modern society?

  It becomes increasingly unstable and subject to change
• What unprecedented risks does Giddens identify in late modernity?

  Nuclear war and environmental damage
• What does Giddens believe about the potential for progress in a risk society?

  We can use rational means to reduce risks