Postmodernism (AQA A Level Sociology): Revision Note
Exam code: 7192
Postmodernism
Postmodernism is a sociological perspective that argues society has undergone a fundamental shift since the mid to late 20th century
It claims we have moved from a modern to a postmodern society that is
less structured and more unpredictable
less unified, as there’s no one “normal” way to live
People have different lifestyles, cultures, and beliefs
media-saturated and shapes how we see the world and ourselves
diverse, as there is more cultural, social, and personal variety than ever before
People have different religions, sexualities, ethnicities, and identities
Individuals have more choice and freedom, but this creates a world that feels less stable and harder to make sense of
Postmodernists believe society today is shaped less by structures like class and more by media, global culture, and consumer choices
Modern vs Postmodern society
Modern society | Postmodern society |
|---|---|
Economy is based on industrial production (e.g., factories, manual labour). | Economy is focused on consumption, choice, and services (e.g., shopping, media, leisure). |
People are defined by traditional roles such as class, job, or religion. | People have multiple, flexible identities and choose how to define themselves. |
National culture is dominated by shared values. | Cultural diversity is due to globalisation, immigration, and media influence. |
Societies were once distant and different from one another. | Societies are interdependent due to globalisation – goods, people and ideas cross borders. |
Societies believed in science and reason to explain the world. | People are disillusioned with 'grand narratives' (e.g., science, religion) and view knowledge as relative. |
Media reflected reality. | Media creates reality—what we see on screens shapes how we understand the world. |
Evaluation of Postmodernism
Strengths
Reflects social change
One strength is that postmodernism is praised for recognising the importance of identity, media, and globalisation in shaping modern life
It reflects the complexity and diversity of today’s world, where traditional categories (e.g., class or gender roles) are less rigid
Explains family diversity
It highlights the rise of diverse family forms (e.g., LATs, same-sex families, reconstituted families) and acknowledges how individual choice and personal fulfilment influence family life
Challenges grand narratives
Postmodernism questions the universal claims of perspectives like Marxism and functionalism, which often assume a single “normal” family or social structure
Criticisms
Lack of empirical evidence
Postmodernism makes broad claims about society but is often accused of being vague and untestable
Critics say it lacks scientific evidence and relies too much on theory rather than research
Overstates change
Postmodernists suggest society has completely changed, but many argue modern structures like class, gender, and ethnicity still matter
E.g., poverty and inequality continue to affect life chances in very real ways
Ignores power and inequality
Unlike Marxism or feminism, postmodernism often overlooks inequality and the role of powerful institutions
It doesn’t explain why some groups have more access to choice and identity than others
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