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Apply material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the view that society today should be described as postmodern - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 3
Question 6
Apply material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the view that society today should be described as postmodern. Item C Postmodernists believe we have entered... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Apply material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the view that society today should be described as postmodern - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 3
Step 1
Evaluate the postmodernist view of society
Answer
Postmodernists argue that contemporary society is marked by complex layers of consumption, diversity, and a multitude of choices, influenced heavily by globalization. They assert that traditional frameworks, or metanarratives, such as Marxism, no longer adequately explain the nuances of modern life. Instead, individuals navigate identities and experiences based on fluidity rather than rigid structures.
This perspective is illustrated by consumer culture where one's identity might be expressed through varied consumption patterns across different sectors, such as fashion, technology, and entertainment. Moreover, the prevalence of digital media reinforces this view by providing access to diverse narratives, allowing individuals to curate their reality.
Step 2
Critique the postmodernist perspective with Marxist views
Answer
Marxists contest the postmodernist characterization of society as a truly new paradigm. They argue that postmodernism downplays the economic structures that continue to underpin social organizations. For instance, while acknowledging the rise of consumer culture, Marxists would emphasize that capitalism persists as a dominant force, dictating patterns of consumption and reinforcing class divisions.
Furthermore, critics point out that the concept of identity in postmodernism, though diverse, can lead to superficial understandings of social issues. For example, in the pursuit of individual choice, systemic inequalities may become marginalized, and collective struggles for socioeconomic change might be overlooked.
Step 3
Discuss the ambiguity in categorizing society as postmodern
Answer
Describing society as postmodern invites a debate on whether current characteristics truly signify a departure from previous societal structures. Proponents may argue that the fragmentation and pluralism of views today indicate a break from modernity. However, others highlight that such claims may oversimplify the continuity of socio-economic systems and power dynamics inherited from modernity.
Consequently, it calls into question whether we inhabit a distinct postmodern epoch, or if newer forms of modernity are emerging, necessitating a revision of traditional frameworks rather than a rejection. This evaluative lens emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and acknowledges that while postmodern traits exist, they coexist alongside persistent modern challenges.