late modernity

• Giddens


  continuation of modernity - a 'runaway world' and 'risk society' with new uncertainties:

  intensification of modern society, not a new era

  1. disembedding - we no longer need face to face contact in order to interact, removing interaction from social context + purely just local arenas
  2. tradition + custom less important - no longer expected to follow fathers into same careers, more individualistic
  3. reflexivity is more important - monitor, reflect + alter behaviour based on information, risks + opportunities around us, focus on personal freedom + fulfilment at establishing 'life projects'
• Beck


  power of reason to create a better world, 'risk society' faces new dongers

  past dangers were as a result of inability to control nature, today manufactured risks from human activities - global warming

  growing individualisation and reflexivity, tradition no longer governs how we act, constantly take account of risks attached to action

  'reflexive modernisation'

  'risk consciousness' central to our culture