Meaning of Postmodernism
Postmodernism theory in sociology challenges traditional ideas of universal truths, emphasizing that reality is subjective and constructed through language, culture, and individual experiences. It critiques grand narratives and focuses on diversity, pluralism, and the fragmentation of social norms, highlighting the fluid, ever-changing nature of society in a complex, globalized world.
Postmodernism, a movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s in the fields of arts, architecture, music, technology, criticism, etc. was a departure from modernism.
Although the French philosopher Jean-Francois Lyotard first used the term ‘postmodern’, the founders of postmodernism (theory) are Jacques Derrida and Friedrich Nietzsche. Others such as Fredric Jameson, and Jean Baudrillard also contributed to postmodernism.
The term ‘Postmodernism’ means ‘after the modern’ which implies that post-modernism grew from modernism. Modernism refers to neo-classical, enlightenment assumptions highlighting the role of scientific reasoning, objectivity, and universal truth.
But postmodernism challenges (rejects) all these assumptions of modernism. Post-modernism is a cultural and aesthetic phenomenon that mainly rejects order and progress, objective and universal truth, and supports the need for recognizing and tolerating different forms of reality.
Modernism assumed that human welfare can be created through science, rationality, and objectivity but after the tragic consequences of World War II, this assumption of modernism was viewed as doubtful/skeptical by the new school of thought who called themselves ‘postmodernists.
Modernism, which argued science as the boon to the human race proved to be destructive. Hence, postmodernists:
- Criticizes modernism for its love of science, rationality, and objectivity.
- Rejects the contemporary sociological and anthropological methodology and theories as incomplete, biased, and inappropriate to understand society and culture.
- Denies grand theory and argues that no sociological knowledge is valid.
- Argues that there is no “universal reality or absolute truth” but instead focuses on the relative truths of each person i.e. focus on individual truths/reality which is constructed in one’s mind. It means that interpretation is everything; reality only comes into being through our interpretations of what the world means to us individually. Hence, postmodernism advocates that reality is subjective and not objective, contextual, or multifocal, and therefore, reality cannot be explained and understood through scientific, objective effort.
Assumptions of Postmodernism
Social Constructivism
Meaning, morality, and truth/reality do not exist objectively. They are constructed by society. So, it assumes that everything is subjective and relative to individual views, perceptions, and values which vary from one person to another person.
Cultural Determinism
Individuals are shaped by cultural forces such as language in particular. It assumes that there is no knowledge apart from language i.e. human beings construct meaning through language and may differ from one person to another.
No absolute Truth
Postmodernists believe that the notion of truth is a contrived illusion, misused by people and special interest groups to gain power over others.
Self-Conceptualization and Rationalization
Postmodernists reject the concept of science and rationalism as leading to ‘truth’ about the social world and they rather prefer to rely on opinions rather than embrace facts.
Internationalism (Globalization)
Many postmodernists claim that national boundaries are a hindrance to human communication. They believe nationalism causes wars. Therefore, postmodernists often propose internationalism and uniting different countries.
All religions are valid
Valuing inclusive faiths, postmodernists criticize the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ as being the only way to God.
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Liberal ethics
Postmodernists support feminists and homosexuals. It assumes that unlike modernism it is open, unbounded, and concerned with process and becoming.
Pro-environmentalism
Postmodernists blame Western society for the destruction of Mother Earth.
Anti-positivistic
Postmodernists reject the methodology and evaluation process are misleading and no social dynamics can be understood through so-called scientific methodology.
Rejection of ‘grand (meta) narratives
They reject any grand/meta-theory as post-modernism does not believe that there is a theory that can explain everything for every human being.
Critique of Western institutions and knowledge
Postmodernist rejects the concept of Western history as ‘progress’.
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Criticisms of Postmodernism
The paradox of the postmodern position is that it is skeptical (doubtful) of all the principles and assumptions made by other theories while it must realize that even its principles/ assumptions are not beyond questioning/ doubt.
For example, postmodernism rejects absolute truth, and scientific and objective knowledge arguing that there is no absolute/ universal truth stating that truth is socially constructed and varies at times.
The main problem with postmodernism is that it can be seen as unrealistic, idealistic overly sentimental, and romantic. Others feel that postmodernism is dangerous because it will create a place where there cannot be any growth or progress.
Contributors of Postmodernism
The major contributors to the postmodernism theory of sociology are:
Jean Baudrillard
Jean Baudrillard is a central figure in postmodernism, known for his theories on simulacra and hyperreality. In “Simulacra and Simulation” (1981), he argues that in the postmodern world, representations of reality (simulacra) replace the real, creating a hyperreality where distinctions between reality and fiction blur.
For instance, media and advertising often present an idealized version of reality that people perceive as genuine. Baudrillard also critiqued consumer culture, suggesting that commodities are valued more for their symbolic meaning than their practical use.
His ideas about the dominance of symbols in modern society have deeply influenced how postmodernism understands media, culture, and reality.
Lyotard
Jean-François Lyotard is best known for his book “The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge” (1979), where he defines postmodernism as skepticism toward grand narratives or universal truths.
He argues that in the postmodern era, knowledge is fragmented, and society is increasingly reliant on multiple, competing narratives rather than one overarching explanation.
Lyotard introduced the idea of incredulity toward metanarratives, suggesting that science, religion, and ideologies no longer hold a monopoly on truth.
His work emphasizes the diversity of perspectives and the decentralization of power, making him a key figure in shaping postmodern thought.
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Fredric Jameson
Fredric Jameson is renowned for his analysis of postmodernism through a Marxist lens. In “Postmodernism, or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism” (1991), he examines how postmodern culture reflects the commodification and fragmentation caused by late capitalism.
Jameson argues that postmodernism erodes historical consciousness, creating a “depthless” culture focused on surface appearances. He discusses pastiche (imitation without critique) and schizophrenia (disjointed experiences) as key features of postmodern society.
His work highlights how cultural production in the postmodern era is inseparable from economic and social structures, making his contributions vital for understanding postmodernism’s relationship with capitalism and culture.
Michel Foucault
Michel Foucault’s work on power, knowledge, and discourse has significantly influenced postmodern thought. In “Discipline and Punish” (1975), he explores how modern societies control individuals through institutions, surveillance, and social norms rather than overt force.
Foucault introduced the idea that knowledge is a product of power structures and is used to maintain social order. His concept of discursive formations shows how societal truths are constructed through language and institutional practices.
Foucault’s critique of grand narratives and his focus on marginalized perspectives align with postmodernism’s emphasis on questioning authority and deconstructing established ideologies.
Jacques Derrida
Jacques Derrida is known for developing deconstruction, a critical approach central to postmodern philosophy. In works like “Of Grammatology” (1967), Derrida challenges the idea that language can convey fixed meanings, arguing that meanings are fluid and context-dependent.
His concept of binary oppositions – where terms like good/evil or male/female are hierarchically structured – exposes how language creates power imbalances.
Derrida’s emphasis on the instability of meaning and his critique of Western metaphysics profoundly influenced postmodernism, encouraging a more flexible, pluralistic understanding of texts, culture, and society.
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Sujan Chaudhary holds a BBA degree. He loves to share his business knowledge with the rest of the world.