globalisation

• What is the main focus of modernist theories?

  Progress through human reason and rationality
• How do modernist theories view society's progress?

  Through the use of human reason and science
• What distinguishes modern society from traditional societies?

  Characteristics like the nation-state and capitalism
• What is the key political unit in modern society?

  The nation-state
• How does the nation-state organize social life?

  On a national basis through centralized governance
• What economic system characterizes modern societies?

  Capitalism
• What is the result of capitalism in modern society?

  Industrialization and wealth inequality
• How do modern states regulate capitalism?

  By maintaining conditions for its operation
• What production principles are used in modern industry?

  Fordist principles
• What is the impact of cheap, mass-produced goods?

  Increased standard of living
• What type of thinking dominates modern society?

  Rational, secular, scientific thinking
• How does individualism manifest in modern society?

  Greater personal freedom and identity choice
• What is the effect of globalisation on the nation-state?

  It increasingly affects people's lives beyond borders
• What technological changes have contributed to globalisation?

  Satellite communications and the internet
• What is 'risk society' according to Ulrich Beck?

  Threats come from human-made technology
• What characterizes the global economy today?

  It is increasingly 'weightless' or electronic
• How do trans-national companies (TNCs) influence globalisation?

  They operate across borders and organize production globally
• What is the criticism of the nation-state's power in globalisation?

  TNCs and consumers have more power than states
• What is a key feature of postmodernism?

  It is an unstable, fragmented global village
• How do postmodernists view knowledge?

  There are no sure foundations to knowledge
• What is anti-foundationalism in postmodernism?

  No objective criteria to prove theories true or false
• What do postmodernists reject about meta-narratives?

  They view them as mere versions of reality
• How do postmodernists view the diversity of views?

  All views are equally valid and should be celebrated
• What does Baudrillard mean by simulacra?

  Signs that bear no relation to physical reality
• What is hyper-reality according to Baudrillard?

  Signs appear more real than reality itself
• How does postmodernism view culture and identity?

  They are fragmented and unstable due to media influence
• What is the impact of media on people's faith in meta-narratives?

  It undermines belief in any single version of truth
• What do postmodernists argue about identity construction?

  Identity can be constructed from media images
• What is Baudrillard's view on political activity in postmodernity?

  It is impossible due to inability to grasp reality
• What are some criticisms of postmodernism from a Marxist perspective?

  It ignores power, inequality, and reality distinctions
• What is a logical criticism of Lyotard's theory?

  It is self-defeating regarding truth claims
• How do postmodernists view the Enlightenment project?

  They see it as pessimistic and unachievable
• What are the key features of postmodernism?

  • Unstable and fragmented society
  • Media-saturated global village
  • Knowledge as a series of language games
  • Rejection of meta-narratives
  • Identity constructed through consumption
• What are the criticisms of postmodernism?

  • Ignores power and inequality
  • Overlooks poverty's impact on identity
  • Claims all views are equally valid
  • Self-defeating theories
  • Pessimism about societal improvement
• How does Foucault's concept of discourse relate to knowledge and power?

  • Discourse shapes our understanding of reality
  • It is a form of knowledge and domination
  • Example: Psychiatry's view of madness
• Who rejects the view that objective knowledge is impossible?

  David Harvey
• What is a simulacra?

  • A representation or imitation of something
  • Examples include media images and virtual realities
• What does Michel Foucault see discourse as?

  A set of established ideas and knowledge
• How does discourse function according to Foucault?

  It shapes our perception and acts as power
• How has the discourse of psychiatry changed our view of madness?

  It describes madness as an absence of rationality