CI: Postmodernism

Question 1

what is Postmodernism

Answer 1

Postmodernism is a structural-action theory that believes society is fragmented and fluid.

Question 2

what are the 5 key areas in postmodernism?

Answer 2

1. Rejection of Metanarratives
2. Fluidity , change , instability , increased Risk
3. identity- Diversity, consumerism, increased risk
4. changes in Agents of socialisation
5. Globalisation

Question 3

what does Michel Foucault (postmodernist) argue?

Answer 3

> argue that society can no longer be understood in terms of ‘grand theories’(theories that claim to have the ‘true story’ on how society is organised)

=> Foucault argues there is not ‘one truth ‘ (grand theory) But many competing truths.

instead he argue they are range of different ,competing theories
competing against to find the truth .=> This is called ‘relativity of knowledge’

in postmodern worlds we are not looking for the truth as these are irrelevant in our diverse and fragmented postmodern world.

=> PM do not believe that there are social constraints on people. unlike structural approch.

=> in PM world individuals are consumers they make their own choices in education , health ,family ect.

Question 4

what are the evaluation against/ for Foucault’s view.

Answer 4

Against > Marxism & Functionalism: argue that there is only ‘one truth’ and that understanding society should be using scientific methods.

For> this perspective emphasises the importance of ‘freedom of choice’ when understanding human behaviour.