Post-Modernism

Question 1

What is modernity?

Answer 1

• Modernity is the start of modern society and an age of enlightenment
• This was a move towards reasoning and rationality rather than myths and superstitious beliefs
• This was to inform and encourage public thinking
• Began from the 14th and 17th century

Question 2

What are the main characteristics of a modern society?

Answer 2

1. Capitalism = Aiming to make profit
2. Individualism = Do things to benefit yourself rather than others
3. Metanarratives = Big stories such as Functionalism and Marxism

Question 3

What is post-modernism?

Answer 3

• Post modernism is a broad movement that rejects ideas associated with modernity suggesting we are now in a post-modern society which is characterised by rapid change and choice
• They reject enlightment and it is an intellectual movement
• They believe that meta-narratives are no longer applicable in a postmodern society and therefore need a new theory

Question 4

What are causes of post-modernism?

Answer 4

• Globalisation has led to a post-modern society due to being influenced by a global framework
• This has led to diverse travel, knowledge, culture and technology
• This has created an interconnectedness

Question 5

What did Lyotard argue about a postmodern society?

Answer 5

• A characteristic of a post-modern society is crisis
• Lyotard rejects meta-narratives as they are built on assumptions and contradictions which causes more harm than good
• They are a narrative about their reality rather than the truth
  Eg. Soviet Union and Marxism

Question 6

What does Baudrillard argue about a postmodern society?

Answer 6

• Baudrillard argues a characteristic of a post-modern society is media
• This is called simulacra which is a hyperreality where it is hard to distinguish between reality and fiction
• Therefore if we cannot grasp reality, we do not have the ability to change it

Question 7

What are features of a postmodern society?

Answer 7

1. Diversity
2. Insecurity = Unemployment
3. Globalisation = Displaces national identity
4. Greater Choice
5. Media saturation =

Question 8

What is the Marxist theory of postmodernism?

Answer 8

• There has been a move from a modern society to post-modern society
• However it is not different but an era of evolution due to the changes in the economic system. This becomes the latest phase of capitalism to achieve profit

Question 9

What does Harvey argue about flexible accumulation?

Answer 9

• Harvey argues that post modernity arose from economic changes and a capitalist crisis in the 1970’s
• The system now has new ways of achieving profitability which is flexible accumulation and have adopted cultural characteristics of postmodernism
• These features are in new product advertising, change in consumption and specialised markets

Question 10

Who are the two sociologists for late modernity?

Answer 10

1. Anthony Giddens
2. Beck

Question 11

What does Giddens argue?

Answer 11

• He argues that in a late modern society reflexivity is a characteristic
• Society is constantly changing because people are able to reflect on their behaviour and make adjustments
• People are able to disconnect from local communities and interact with the online world with new media

Question 12

What does Beck argue?

Answer 12

• Beck argues that we are in a global risk society meaning we are constantly risk conscious of the risks around us therefore changing our behaviour to avoid risk
  Eg. Covid

Question 13

How can you evaluate post-modernism?

Answer 13

• Each phase of modernism can be used to evaluate one another