Late Modernity (AQA A Level Sociology): Revision Note
Exam code: 7192
Theories of late modernity
Not all sociologists believe we have moved into a postmodern era
Theories of late modernity argue that the features of modern society — especially rapid social change — have intensified in recent decades
Giddens (1990) and Beck (1992) describe this stage as late modernity, not a completely new type of society
Unlike postmodernism, these theories still follow the Enlightenment project — the belief that we can discover objective knowledge and use it to improve the world
Giddens (1990)
Giddens argues that we are still in modernity, but it is now more dynamic, unstable and global
There are two key features of late modernity:
Disembedding
Interaction no longer requires face-to-face contact
Geographical barriers are removed — social life can happen across time and space
E.g., online banking, gaming, shopping, and remote working
Reflexivity
Traditions no longer dictate behaviour; we must decide for ourselves how to act
People constantly reflect on and adapt their behaviour using new information
This means nothing is fixed — culture is fluid, unstable, and open to change
Giddens’ view is that late modernity is marked by
economic, political, and cultural instability
rapid change
global interconnectedness
Late modernity brings both progress and risk
Risk society
Beck (1992) is in the Enlightenment tradition, as he believes reason can help us build a better world
Today's risks are manufactured by human activity (e.g., climate change, pollution), not just natural events
Past risks: famine, disease
Modern risks: climate change, pollution
Like Giddens, Beck argues we are becoming increasingly reflexive — aware of risks and willing to change behaviour
E.g., cutting fossil fuel use or reducing meat consumption to tackle climate change
Global interconnectedness means risks spread rapidly, leading to reflexive modernisation – awareness of risks (often via mass media) prompts demands for change
Beck believes that the very technologies meant to solve problems (energy, industry, medicine) generate new risks so large and complex that humans struggle to contain them
E.g., nuclear disasters like Chernobyl, where technological developments created risks too large for humans to fully predict or control
Evaluation of theories of late modernity
Strengths
Alternative to postmodernism
Theories of late modernity accept rapid change but argue that modernity’s structures still shape life
Optimistic about change
Late modernists recognise that we can still use our knowledge to improve society and reduce the risks we face, which is contrary to postmodernist beliefs
Criticisms
Unequal ability to control risk
Not everyone has the same resources to avoid danger
Elliot (2002) notes that rich and powerful groups can limit their exposure, e.g., living in low-pollution areas, while the poor cannot
Capitalism as the root cause
Rustin (1994) argues that it is not technology alone that creates risks — it’s the way technology is used under capitalism
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In a 20-mark Theory & Methods essay, you could be asked to evaluate whether society today should be described as postmodern. To score well, you must:
Explain the postmodern view (e.g., diversity, globalisation (opens in a new tab), media saturation, decline of metanarratives – Lyotard, Baudrillard, Bauman)
Develop criticisms and alternatives (e.g., Marxists/feminists argue inequality still matters; late modernists like Giddens and Beck argue we live in a risk/reflexive society, not fully postmodern)
Evaluate throughout by weighing up whether postmodernism exaggerates change or whether late modernity provides a better explanation
Use examples and theorists to link theory to today’s society (e.g., social media, global consumer culture, shifting identities)
Don’t just juxtapose theories — you must weigh them up to answer whether society is truly postmodern.
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