Postmodernism
Society is constantly changing and developing. As of most recent, we have shifted from
‘modernity’ to ‘postmodernity’. The main aspects of Postmodernism are:
- It is the most current of the sociological theories
- Focuses on society’s changes since the 1980s
- Emphasises the shift away from tradition and strongly controlling norms
- Focuses on the freedom, choice and individualism
- Interwoven with globalisation, as they have taken place at
essentially the same time
Events such as world wars, environmental
damage and global capitalism has meant Relativity of
people have began to lose faith in the knowledge and
metanarratives (big stories) of the world. a loss of faith
Society has rejected the
metanarratives/big stories of the world.
This has resulted in there being no single type of ‘truth’
that has special status like Christianity used to have. All
versions of the truth are relative and judged on how
useful they are. This has lead to uncertainty where
Beliefs - nothing is right or wrong and as a result, pick and mix.
Postmodernism
(1) Diversity and choice Globalisation has meant we have access to
a variety of choices and opportunity.
A loss of tradition has also occurred, with
people seeking alternatives that were not
considered before.
Anything goes now and it is down to the
What has led to Fluid hybrid individual. E.g. education, beliefs,
postmodernity culture family types etc.
as a whole?
Our culture is now much more flexible
and fluid. Our beliefs and interests
● ICT - the internet exposes us to
change regularly due to the choice and
images, ideas and information on a
diversity that exists
global scale.
● Movement of people - international
travel and migration means exposure to In the past beliefs were very fixed but
different societies and ways of life. today, people change their beliefs to suit
● Consumerism - essential for identity. what is occurring in their lives at a
● Risk and uncertainty - social and particular time.
environmental risks feel greater. Jobs,
relationships all temporary nowadays
● Globalisation - Companies and brands
are global, boundaries are disappearing
Society is constantly changing and developing. As of most recent, we have shifted from
‘modernity’ to ‘postmodernity’. The main aspects of Postmodernism are:
- It is the most current of the sociological theories
- Focuses on society’s changes since the 1980s
- Emphasises the shift away from tradition and strongly controlling norms
- Focuses on the freedom, choice and individualism
- Interwoven with globalisation, as they have taken place at
essentially the same time
Events such as world wars, environmental
damage and global capitalism has meant Relativity of
people have began to lose faith in the knowledge and
metanarratives (big stories) of the world. a loss of faith
Society has rejected the
metanarratives/big stories of the world.
This has resulted in there being no single type of ‘truth’
that has special status like Christianity used to have. All
versions of the truth are relative and judged on how
useful they are. This has lead to uncertainty where
Beliefs - nothing is right or wrong and as a result, pick and mix.
Postmodernism
(1) Diversity and choice Globalisation has meant we have access to
a variety of choices and opportunity.
A loss of tradition has also occurred, with
people seeking alternatives that were not
considered before.
Anything goes now and it is down to the
What has led to Fluid hybrid individual. E.g. education, beliefs,
postmodernity culture family types etc.
as a whole?
Our culture is now much more flexible
and fluid. Our beliefs and interests
● ICT - the internet exposes us to
change regularly due to the choice and
images, ideas and information on a
diversity that exists
global scale.
● Movement of people - international
travel and migration means exposure to In the past beliefs were very fixed but
different societies and ways of life. today, people change their beliefs to suit
● Consumerism - essential for identity. what is occurring in their lives at a
● Risk and uncertainty - social and particular time.
environmental risks feel greater. Jobs,
relationships all temporary nowadays
● Globalisation - Companies and brands
are global, boundaries are disappearing
