INTRODUCTION

TO
SOCIOLOGY

MODERNITY
AND
POST MODERNITY

Modernity:
Social patterns linked
to industrialization.
A distinct break from
traditional ways of
living.

Main features of
modern societies:

1. Cultural patterns:

Heterogeneous values
Hi tolerance of diversity of
norms.
Time conscious. Future outlook
Hi technology. Advanced energy
sources.

2. Social Structure:
- Many statuses
many roles.
- Secondary
relationships.
- Formal social control.

- Social stratification
fluid, hi mobility.
- Gender declining
patriarchy.
women empowerment.
- Industrial economy.

- Large scale
government.
- Nuclear family.
- Religion weakens.
- Basic education
universal.

- Health improves.
- Big urban settlement
patterns.
- Social change is rapid.

Postmodern society
Another term for
postindustrial society.
Use of tools that extend
human abilities to gather
and analyze information, to
communicate, and to travel.

Characteristics of
postmodern society:
Daniel Bell (1973) gave 6
features

1. Extensive travel among

nations.
2. A vast surplus of goods.

3. Service sector employs

majority of workers.
4. A wide variety and
quantity of goods
available to average
person.
Consumerism.

5. An information
explosion.
6. A global village.
Instantaneous
communication

Modernity Promises -Debate

Modernity has failed. Problems
like poverty persist.
The bright side of progress is
fading. Life getting worse.
Science no longer holds the
answers. New problems.

INTRODUCTION
TO
SOCIOLOGY
Lecture 45