Modernity and Postmodernity

Created by

Kiera savage

Cards (11)

What is modernity? 
The enlightenment of society through the advancement of science, rational thought and reason which produced social progress
What are the key features of modernity?
Capitalism
Social class
Urbanisation
Science and technology
Meta-narratives developed
What is post-modernity? 
The movement away from modernity as society define less in terms of where they come from, class or gender and instead how they consume goods
What are the key features of post-modernity?
Loss of enlightenment
Globalisation
Social change
Individualisation
How did Bauman (1992) define society?
In a state of constant change and unpredictabilty that society is in a state of liquid modernity
What did Baudrillard (1983) use to describe society?
Simulacra - society values style over substance due to existing in a state of hyper-reality
What are the strengths of postmodernism?
Interpreted new social change and cultural changes
Analysed impact of mass media
Challenged absolutists and old metanarratives
Understands new pick and mix society due to consumerism
What are the limitations of postmodernism?
Confusing theoretical approach
Fails to recognise individual constraints
Overplays the role of the media
Marxists argues that it ignores power inequalities
Poverty prevents people constructing identities
Too pessimistic
What is late modernity?
Rapid changes of society is a continuation of modern society but has become more intensified with new risks and consequences
What evidence suggests that we are living in a postmodern age?
Consumer oriented society
Pix and mix society
Less shaped by class, gender and ethnic background
Globalisation
Migration and diversity
What evidence suggests we are not in a postmodern society?
Choice is still constrained by backgrounds of class, race and gender
Late modernists argue it is just a new continuation of modernity
Impact of globalisation has led to countries blocking western influence