Modernity and Postmodern Culture

Critically assesses claims made about the 'postmodernization' of culture and society, and explores the complex interplay between the modern and the postmodern in an increasingly 'globalized world'. This book argues that although culture may be 'postmodern' in terms of art, entertainment and everyday life, modernity exists and is pervasive.

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Modernity and Postmodern Culture critically assesses claims made about the 'postmodernization' of culture and society and explores the complex interplay between the modern and the postmodern in an increasingly ‘globalized world’. The author argues that although culture may be 'postmodern' in terms of art, entertainment and everyday life, modernity still exists and is pervasive. The second edition is revised throughout, updating the literature and viewing international events through a modernist/postmodernist gaze. The theories of Baudrillard, Beck, Castells, Giddens, Jameson, Lyotard and others are discussed and specific issues concerning architecture, theme parks, screen culture, science, technology and the environment are examined. Topics include:

Postmodern architecture and the hyperreality of Disney
How poststructuralist theory questions modern rationality and reason
The relations between postmodern culture, global capitalism and the technological changes brought about by electronics and computing
The network society
The book is key reading for students on courses in cultural politics, cultural theory, popular culture and sociology.