Late Modernity - Giddens and Beck - Flashcards in A Level and IB Sociology

Created by: Megan
Created on: 13-05-15 12:48

How does late modernity differ from modernity?

It argues that the key features of modern society e.g. social change have now become intensified, the pace has gone into overdrive

1 of 10

How else does Giddens refer to late modernity?

High modernity

2 of 10

What does he argue is the defining characteristic of modern society? What are the two key features of modernity?

The defining characteristic is that it experiences rapid change- often on a global scale. This is because of disembedding and reflexivity

3 of 10

What does Giddens mean by disembedding?

We no longer need face to face contact in order to interact - disembedding breaks down geographical barriers and makes interaction more impoersonal

4 of 10

What does Giddens mean by reflexivity?

Because tradition no longer tells us how to act, we are forced to become reflexive. That is, we have to constantly monitor, reflect and modify our actions in the light of information about risks and opportunities

5 of 10

How does Beck describe late modern society?

a 'risk society' as it faces new kinds of dangers

6 of 10

What kinds of dangers does Beck argue late modern society faces?

In the past society faced dangers as a result of its inability to control nature e.g. famine, drought. Today, the dangers we face are manufactured risk e.g pollution and global warming

7 of 10

(BECK) What is reflexive modernisation?

Tradition no longer governs how we act, thus we have to think for ourselves and reflect on the consequences of our actions. Therefore we must take account for the risks attached to the different courses of action open to us

8 of 10

What is risk consciousness ?

We are more aware of perceived risk and seek to avoid/minimise them

9 of 10

Give a criticism of late modern theories?

They suggest we can reflect on our actions and then re-shape our lives accordingly to reduce exposure to risks. This isnt always an option especially for the poor, who are generally more exposed to polluted areas and thus more environmental risks.

10 of 10

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How else does Giddens refer to late modernity?

Back

High modernity

Card 3

Front

What does he argue is the defining characteristic of modern society? What are the two key features of modernity?

Back

Card 4

Front

What does Giddens mean by disembedding?

Back

Card 5

Front

What does Giddens mean by reflexivity?

Back

View more cards

Get Revising

Late Modernity - Giddens and Beck