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What is modernity?
Usually typified by the period following the Enlightenment but most evident in the period following the Industrial Revolution
Extends to the 1970s, but some theorists suggest that we are still living in the modern era
Structural approach to society, with the importance of social institutions, social structures and social processes most evident
What do Bell and Newby say about modernity?
Industrialisation and urbanisation -growth of urban areas, movement from agriculture to manufacturing
The growth of capitalism and private industry developed additional social classes- such as the middle class
What does Max Weber say about modernity?
Move towards scientific rationality- decide on aims and find the most efficient way to achieve those
Gradual secularisation- decline in religious beliefs, but beliefs in morality
Bureaucracy- Large organisations increasingly used to organise society, e.g. welfare state, NHS, education system
What is the evidence of modernity?
Traditional forms of family, one-size-fits-all education, limited social mobility
Relevance of metanarratives such as Marxism and Feminism- Highlighting conflicts in society
Scientific approaches to society- Use of quantitative data in education, and welfare work -assumes there are no individual differences, but rather structures
What are the criticisms of modernist views today?
Crises of Capitalism - Individual choices and reactions against capitalist ideologies
Are social structures such as class, gender and ethnicity relevant in contemporary society? Does social solidarity exist?
The decline of the metanarrative - Are individuals influenced by the advice of institutions influenced by the advice of institutions - education, politics, media, family
What is late modernity?
The era of rapid change between modern and postmodern eras - Giddens
‘Risk society’ - The death of old certainties and the birth of insecurity and risk - Beck
Liquid modernity - Era of fluidity, flexibility and change - Bauman
What are the key concepts of late modernity?
Individualisation - Focus on individual goals, needs and aspirations at the expense of more collectivist ideas
Increased insecurity - In relationships, employment, from the environment, science
Reflexivity - Individuals reflect upon their place in society as a result of increasing changes
Increased interconnectedness - Though often impersonal - and increased surveillance
Who are the key thinkers in late modernity?
Giddens:
Pure relationships and romantic love
Reflexivity and dis-embedding
Beck:
Risk society
Negotiated family, redefining the role of fatherhood in the face of insecurity
Bauman:
Identity, beliefs and crime
What is the evidence of late modernity?
Individualism in society as a reaction to neo-liberal economics - reduction in collective actions
Serial monogamy and changes to relationships
Media usage - Impersonal interactions on social media
Increased risk from science - COVID-19, climate change
Insecurity of employment - zero-hour contracts, self-employment
What are the criticisms of late modernity?
Has society become liquid? Definitions of class might have changed, but the polarisation of views demonstrates structural forces in society
Is late modernity a global phenomenon? Have other societies rejected Western ideals?
Elliot is critical of media usage outside of the West- Lack of technologies
Is risk and insecurity due to capitalism rather than social change?
