1. A2 Sociology
Theory and Methods: Modernity and Postmodernity
Concept/ Sociologist Definition/summary How can I remember
Modernity
Structural
differentiation
A process whereby the functions of one
institution become split up between
different institutions. Society becomes
structurally more complex.
The Enlightenment A philosophical movement during the 18th
century that believes reason and science
could lead to human progress.
The Industrialisation
The Urbanisation
Means of Production
Capitalism
Feudalism
Rationality
Social Order The consequence of various social
processes identified by sociological theory.
Mechanical Solidarity A clearly defined set of common beliefs
found in pre modern society.
Division of Labour The subdivision of work into different
specialised occupational roles.
Organic solidarity A type of solidarity that could be achieved
in modern society, where constraint
operates through occupational associations
and economic ties.
Nation State A country with its own distinct geographical
boundaries, consisting of a distinct
government plus common language, culture
and values.
Comte
Lee and Newby (1994)
Durkheim
Weber
Marx
Globalisation and

2. A2 Sociology
Theory and Methods: Modernity and Postmodernity
Postmodernity
Uncertainty Society is uncertain in the outcomes. Risk
laden society.
Relativism Where there is no fixed truth, because
knowledge is the product of a particular
historical and cultural context.
Individual Freedom Individual freedom to choose and follow
their own life path.
Metanarratives A big story that predicts the future and
direction of society.
Globalisation Increased world interconnectedness
through the flow of nations, people, ideas,
technology and culture in general.
Cosmopolitan Outlook An approach that allows sociologists to
analyse the interdependencies between
social actors across national borders.
Methodological
Cosmopolitan
An approach that investigates transnational
phenomena in the context of
cosmopolitanisation.
Hyper-Reality The idea that we live in a world that is
increasingly perceived and experienced via
the media.
Simulations Sings and images which have no relationship
to reality.
Anti-foundationalism The argument that there are no clear,
indisputable foundations to knowledge.
Anti-totalisation The argument that there are no general
theories which reveal and explain the truth
or the meanings of things.
Anti-utopianism The arguments that knowledge has not
been used to create a utopia – a perfect
society. Instead, it has been used by
someone to exert power over others.
Lyotard (1984)
Habermas
Beck and Sznaider
(2006)
Beck (1999)
Urry (2000)
Foucault
Baudrillard