Assess the view that we are now living in a new post-modern era
by
joelane360 (student)
Assess the view that we are now living in a new post-modern era
The postmodernist theory of society states that we have reached a state in society by which we have surpassed the modern era. Modernism is the idea that society has become industrialised and that we live in a materialistic society. The modern era, according to modernist theorists, is one based around science and the development of intellectual thinking; this stands in stark contrast to pre-modern society in which understanding and the rules of society were based around religion.
A postmodern era implies one that is in a state of uncertainty and chaos by way of social structures in society. Postmodernists would argue that the modern social structures within society are very rapidly breaking down. They would argue, and there is much evidence within society today for this, that structures such as the family are breaking down and collapsing. Families now, in comparison to society 20 or 30 years ago, have become weak and almost unimportant. In previous years, it would be considered out of the ordinary for people to grow up without getting married and having children; however, in current ‘postmodern’ society it is almost the norm. This evidence suggests that the view that we are now living in a new postmodern era is a successful one.
Post-Modernists believe that there are few social constraints within society and that there is a mass of individuals making independent choices about their lifestyles. This belief implies that society has changed as a whole and that it is not as tightly-knit as once before. The social, community cohesion that we may have seen in previous years is fading and society is turning away from the ‘one nation’, ‘big society’ idea and becoming more a society of many individuals not creating the same norms and values as one another. This idea of individual significance also highlights a belief that we are consumers; each individual is able to make decisions on our own choices in education, health, personal relations and lifestyle. We can define ourselves as whatever we want and can be whatever we want to be. This idea is supported by evidence in society today; with changes from the traditional ‘bread-winner’ role of the male within families. This role has now become a unisex role within society; showing how both men and women, as consumers, have the ability to make their own choices on their lifestyle, job prospects and educational achievement. Other evidence for our consumer lives in society is shown in the rising number of university applicants; even with raised fees in recent years, the intake of students by universities is on the rise, implying that each and every person in society, independent of their social background or class, can make their own decisions on their education and pave their way in life how they please. This supporting evidence within society also implies that a view on a new postmodern era may well be an accurate and successful one.
