SOC DOUBLE STARR - POSTMODERN THEORETICAL INTERPRETATIONS OF GLOBALISATION

How do Katz and Sugiyama argue mobile phones influence young people's identities? (Katz and Sugiyama)

They act as status symbols and fashion statements, give young people independence, and help them construct identities.

What evidence did Katz and Sugiyama find for the importance of identity in mobile phone use? (Katz and Sugiyama)

American and Japanese users prioritised style and appearance over practical features such as battery life.

How do Katz and Sugiyama believe digital media affects social hierarchies? (Katz and Sugiyama)

People use digital media to create identities and attempt to move up social hierarchies.

How do Marxists criticise Katz and Sugiyama's view of consumer choice? (Marxist Critique of Katz and Sugiyama)

They argue access to technology depends on wealth, so not everyone benefits equally from increased choice.

Why do Marxists argue identity construction through technology is unequal? (Marxist Critique of Katz and Sugiyama)

Many people cannot afford the latest technology, even in Western societies.

How does Boellstorff argue the internet has changed identity? (Boellstorff)

It allows people to create multiple identities and explore different lives as social actors.

What did Boellstorff find from studying virtual worlds such as Second Life? (Boellstorff)

The distinction between online and offline identities and relationships is becoming increasingly blurred.

Why does Boellstorff describe online identities as revolutionary? (Boellstorff)

Users can choose how they present themselves and become whoever they want to be.

How do postmodernists view online identities according to Boellstorff? (Boellstorff)

They welcome the freedom to choose identities rather than having them determined by factors such as gender.

What does Jurgenson mean by 'augmented reality'? (Nathan Jurgenson)

Digital and physical life are blended together rather than existing separately.

Why does Jurgenson describe modern humans as 'cyborgs'? (Nathan Jurgenson)

Technology has become integrated into both our bodies and everyday lives through developments such as pacemakers and smartphones.

How has technology changed social relationships according to Jurgenson? (Nathan Jurgenson)

Communication is increasingly technologically mediated and smartphones have transformed personal relationships.

How do Marxists criticise Bauman's view of identity choice? (Marxist Critique of Bauman)

Wealthier groups have greater opportunities to create and display online identities than poorer groups.

How do Marxists challenge the idea that anyone can become an influencer? (Marxist Critique of Bauman)

Opportunities are often concentrated among the wealthy, famous and powerful.

How does Baudrillard use the concepts of the signifier and signified? (Baudrillard)

The signified is reality, while the signifier is its representation through media and communication.

What is hyperreality according to Baudrillard? (Baudrillard)

A situation where representations of reality become more important than reality itself.

Why does Baudrillard argue television and digital media create hyperreality? (Baudrillard)

They provide multiple versions of reality, making truth difficult to identify.

How does Baudrillard use the Gulf War to support his argument? (Baudrillard)

He argued it became a media construction because most people only experienced it through television and other media.

What does Baudrillard mean by the 'information blizzard'? (Baudrillard)

The overwhelming amount of information available makes it almost impossible to find the truth.

What does Baudrillard argue has happened to power in postmodern society? (Baudrillard)

Power is disappearing and people are left exchanging meaningless symbols rather than understanding reality.

Why does Philo criticise postmodernism? (Philo)

It fails to provide a critical structural analysis of society.

How does Philo challenge postmodern ideas about reality? (Philo)

He argues reality still exists and people can distinguish between reality and the virtual world.

How does Philo criticise postmodern ideas about truth? (Philo)

He rejects the idea that all versions of reality are equally valid.

How does Philo criticise postmodern ideas about choice? (Philo)

Access to identities, consumption, leisure and information remains unequal, so postmodernists exaggerate the amount of choice people have.

How has digitalisation changed identity according to Bauman? (Bauman)

Identity is no longer stable or fixed; individuals can change it whenever they choose.

How does Bauman describe identities in postmodern society? (Bauman)

They are fragmented, fluid and short-lived.

Why does Bauman believe identities have become fluid and unstable? (Bauman)

Because digitalisation and globalisation have created greater uncertainty in people's lives.

How do people respond to uncertainty according to Bauman? (Bauman)

They focus on short-term identities and relationships centred on enjoyment and "having a good time".

How do social media and online dating sites illustrate Bauman's ideas? (Bauman)

People curate and adapt idealised versions of themselves through carefully selected photos and information.

What criticism does Bauman make of online identities? (Bauman)

Online identities can be fake, misleading and are a poor substitute for real-life relationships and experiences.