L1 Globalisation--Modernity-and-Postmodernity---Lesson-2 (copy)
Page 1
THEORIES & METHODS
Topic 9: Globalisation, Modernity & Postmodernity
Lesson 1
Page 2
Overview of Concepts
Postmodernity: Describes contemporary society.
Questions to consider include the initiation of postmodern society and notable changes leading to it.
Reflections on postmodern views of families and media.
Page 3
Debate on Postmodernity
Core Idea: Ongoing discussion about whether we are experiencing postmodernity or some alternative categorization.
Page 4
Timeline of Concepts
Conceptual Timeline:
Modernity -> Globalisation
Point of Debate: Postmodernity vs. Late Modernity
Present Day linked to the Industrial Revolution.
Page 5
National Identity and Economy
Questions for Reflection:
Importance of national identity and its evolution over time.
Transition from a manufacturing economy to a tertiary (service) sector economy in the past 50 years.
Implications of this change on identity.
Page 6
Research Tasks
Study Resources: Use Webb and Browne textbooks for data on modernity and late modernity.
Complete questions in the theory and method booklets regarding modernity and late modernity.
Page 7
Characteristics of Modernity
Modernity: Emerged in late 18th century Western Europe.
Key elements include:
The Nation State: Rise of national loyalty and sovereignty; pivotal in world wars.
Capitalism: Shift due to industrialization, increasing wealth among owners of production.
Identity: Tied to social class, gender, religion, ethnicity; fixed roles in work and relationships.
Rationalisation: Enlightenment period valued science over religion.
Page 8
Globalisation Defined
Definition: Increasing interconnectedness due to technology and global economy.
History: Significant changes began in the 1980s, notably with the internet.
Transition to an electronic economy impacts global society.
Page 9
Impact of Globalisation
Political Changes: Erosion of nation-state power; influenced by international trade and laws.
Cultural Changes: Global mass media contributes to cultural imperatives.
Debate over whether this leads to cultural imperialism or diversity.
Page 10
Transitional Problems
Dilemma: The relationship between modernity and globalisation raises questions about current societal categorization (postmodern vs. late modern).
Page 11
Giddens on Late Modernity
Key Features:
Disembedding: Social relations removed from local contexts.
Reflexivity: Continuous reassessment of actions influenced by information.
Cultural instability acknowledged.
Page 12
Beck's Theory of Risk Society
Risk Society: Human-created societal risks (global warming, nuclear warfare).
Contrast with Postmodernism: Beck emphasizes science's role in addressing risks; postmodernists reject it as a meta-narrative.
Page 13
Research on Postmodernity
Tasks: Utilize textbooks to explore questions concerning postmodernity.
Page 14
Key Topics in Postmodernity
Concepts to Explore:
Hyper-reality, consumption and identity, globalisation effects, decline of meta-narratives.
Page 15
Postmodernity Perspectives
Postmodernists contend that scientific knowledge cannot ascertain truth and that multiple truths exist.
Reject meta-narratives of science and other grand theories (e.g., Marxism, Feminism) which they feel do not reflect truth.
Page 16
Concept of Hyper-Reality
Definition: Difficulty differentiating between reality and fiction, influenced by media.
Examples:
Reality TV (e.g., Love Island), VR gaming, and artificial representations of nature.
Page 17
Hyper-Reality in Recreation
Examples include Disney World and Las Vegas, using recreations to simulate reality.
Page 18
Baudrillard's Simulacra
Concept: Societies based on images and signs rather than material goods.
Signs often disconnected from physical reality, complicating perception of truth.
Page 19
Simulacra Examples
Notions of reality challenged by edited images, like those of celebrities.
Concept of simulacra as signs without original references.
Page 20
Identity in the Postmodern Era
Transition from production-related identities to consumption-oriented identities in the 21st century.
Prospects of multiple identities formed through various consumption choices.
Service sector jobs blurring traditional class distinctions.
Page 21
Individualism in Postmodern Society
Increased individualism resulting from broad choices, declining religious influence, and changing gender roles.
Emphasis on personal choice in relationships and family structures.
Page 22
Arguments on Postmodern Status
For Postmodern Characteristics:
Globalisation, individualism, consumerism, hyper-reality.
Against Postmodern Characteristics:
Continued relevance of national identity, cultural homogenization, ongoing class inequality, and restricted engagement due to digital divide.
Page 23
Comparison of Modernism and Postmodernism
Modern Society: Rationalisation replaces religious explanations.
Postmodern Society: Meta-narratives and objective truths are rejected.
Page 24
Assessment Outline on Approaches
Contrast between modernist (functionalism, feminism, Marxism) and postmodernist thinking:
Modernist: Structural approaches shape behavior vs. individualistic choices in postmodernism.
Modernist: Obj. truths attempted to explain society vs. postmodern rejection of grand narratives.
Page 25
Further Assessment Planning
Complete outlined tasks comparing modernist and postmodernist approaches.
Page 26
Evaluation of Postmodern Society
Postmodernists highlight fragmentation and media saturation.
Critics argue persistent structural inequalities like class still matter.