Modernity and Postmodernity

• When did postmodernism emerge and what were some of the reasons for it arising?

  Emerged around the 1980s, society was changing in a way that modernist social theories (functionalism, marxism) could not explain. Changes in society like the rise of new media, technological change, globalisation, meant tradition was becoming irrelevant and therefore nee approaches and theories were needed to understand the changing world.
• What did Bauman mean by 'liquid modernity'?

  The breaking down of social structures - society is now in a state of constant change.
• How is the family an example of 'liquid modernity'?

  Family can no longer be regarded as an institution, people now live in a wide range of ever-changing relationships
• What did Giddens mean by 'disembedding'?

  The way social relations are lifted out of local contexts and are no longer confined by space and time. E.g. The internet: interaction with others and online shopping regardless of location or time.
• What does it mean to say that postmodernism shows an 'increduality towards metanarratives'?

  Lyotard - people no longer believe in the 'myth of truth'. They don't believe in metanarratives or general theories due to the fragmented nature of society. Essentially chaotic and all knowledge is now equally valid.
• What did Baudrillard mean by simulacra?

  Refers to images and reproductions which appear to reflect things in the real world but have no basis in relatity.
• What did Baudrillard mean by 'hyperreality'?


  A view of the world which is created and defined by the media with the image of an event becoming more real than the event it is meant to be depicting.
• In what way does modern life represent a shopping mall (Bauman)?

  People can "walk" around consuming whatever they like, constructing and changing their identities. We now live in a 'pick n mix' consumer society where people can buy goods as identity symbols.
• What does postmodernism emphasise about identity? (a strength)

  Emphasises that the construction of identity has become a more fluid and complex process with people having more choice to pick 'n' mix identities based on consumer lifestyles and global media imagery.
• What has postmodernism encouraged other sociologists to do? (a strength)

  Reflect on some of their assumptions, how they set about their research and the meaning of contemporary social change. E.g. intersectional feminism is essentially postmodern feminism.
• How does Giddens criticise postmodernism?

  Argues the changes that postmodernists have identified are a continuation of modern society in an intensified form, not a new era of postmodernity. Calls it 'late modernity' characterised by social reflexivity.
• What does Beck mean by the 'risk society'?

  'Risk society' is a period of 'reflexive modernity' in which there are high levels of uncertainty and risk. E.g. climate change
• How does Beck suggest reflexivity influences people in postmodernity?

  As a result of the period of reflexivity, people have lost trust in governments and scientists to manage risks and therefore make more individual choices and take their own decisions about identity and lifestyle.
• In what ways can Marxism explain changes claimed by postmodernism?

  Harvey claims changes like globalisation, cultural change, consumerism and individualisation reflect capitalism opening up new markets and new sources of profit.
• What is postmodernism criticised for being?

  All criticism - doesn't see any knowledge as better than others, lacks values or visions for improving society.
• What does postmodernism overemphasise?

  The influence of the media - assumes people are passive and easily manipulated by the media. People in reality, are able to make judgements and are aware the media does not always provide the truth.
• What is postmodernism too...?

  Too voluntaristic - assumes all individuals are free to act as they wish and can pick and choose identities at will. Ignores differences in power and existence of widespread social inequality.