Fluidity, change, instability, increased risk Flashcards
In which decade do Postmodernists argue that society began to change?
1980’s
Postmodernists believe that society began to change in the 1980’s. What do they argue changed at this time?
Since the 1980’s PM argue that society has begun to change and structures in society cease to exist. In a modern society (since 17th century until late 1970’s), we were characterised by clear divisions between social groups. PM argue that we are now free from the constraints of social class, gender or ethnicity and also culture (high culture, low culture, mass culture). To illustrate this – do we really know what class we are? Do we still have age-related behaviours?
Which postmodernist sociologists believe that society is changing rapidly and is constantly at threat of chaos, uncertainty and risk.
Names and Date
Pakulski and Waters (1992)
What did Pakulski and Waters (1992) believe?
Postmodernist sociologists, Pakulski and Waters (1992), believe that society is changing rapidly and is constantly at threat of chaos, uncertainty and risk. This postmodern world is challenging many existing ideas that existed in a modern world.
Postmodernists believe that society is fragmenting into what?
Society is fragmenting into a mass of individuals and groups with a mass of diversity of interests and lifestyles which are rapidly changing and is essentially chaotic. A good example of this is fashion and music tastes which are constantly changing.
What are the names of the two cultures defined by Postmodernists?
High Culture
Popular Culture
What have Postmodernists noted about culture?
The differences between high and popular culture is now becoming blurred and they are merging together with things such Andy Warhol’s Pop Art which reproduced a Vinci’s Mona Lisa in a Pop style.
Postmodernists believe that society is at a greater risk. Discuss.
Society is a greater risk than ever before and therefore challenges to the stability of society are increasing. Increased globalisation has led to a rise in risk of terrorism and even in institutions such as the family, it is now at risk of breaking down due to the changing expectations of the family and marriage. No longer is marriage seen as a lifelong commitment, but one which will only continue if each person’s needs are being met – therefore it is at constant risk of breaking down. This is a demonstration of how our society has become more about choice and change rather than tradition.
When discussing Postmodernists, Functionalists argue that individuals are governed by a structure. Expand on this statement.
Functionalists argue that individuals are governed by a structure, namely the value consensus and our actions are guided by norms and values which are established through the agents of socialisation. The idea of individuality, fluidity and change is exaggerated.
Do Postmodernists argue that we have increased choice and diversity?
Yes
Although PM argue that we have increased choice and diversity, again, these choices are governed/restricted by the social class you belong to, the income you have or the wealth you have or even patriarchy or racism.
