Globalization Theory And A Theory Of Modernity Case Study

Sandra Anderson

DSOC 3010: Theories of Society and Development

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1. Do processes of globalization pose a challenge to classical theories of modernity? If so, how? And what is the significance of the distinction between ‘Globalization Theory’ and a ‘Theory of Globalization’?

2. Discuss the notion of postmodernity as developed by Jean François Lyotard, and the counter-critiques of it by Jürgen Habermas and Anthony Giddens.

Jean François Lyotard’s concept of the “postmodern condition” is concerned with the status of knowledge in society (Hall, 1996, p. 640). The central characteristic component of the Enlightenment approach, according to Lyotard, is its concern with scientific legitimacy, particularly the “objective and impartial knowledge of the world” rather than the prevailing “narratives” or stories that individuals create to give their lives significance (Hall, 1996, p. 640). Narratives, as per the Enlightenment approach, taint real, scientific knowledge by offering existential or ideological comforts through “their essentially local, social, and personal contexts” (Hall, 1996, p. 640).

In fact, Lyotard believes that the Enlightenment idea of “pure” knowledge is a formidable myth, specifically the concept that scientific knowledge is never tainted with narrative stories, since much of the objective knowledge derived from science is vindicated by mentions of metanarratives, or what Lyotard refers to as “ higher-level storylines” (Hall, 1996, p. 640). Scientific progress, combined with economic growth in society, is hardly ever viewed objectively, especially since the former is thought to necessitate the latte...

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...istribution-recognition dilemma through “socialism in the economy plus deconstruction in the culture” (Fraser, 1995, p. 91). Fraser compares socialism in the economy with transformative redistribution politics, where the fundamental political-economic organization of society is reformed primarily through the relations of production and through the social allocation of labor thus improving the living circumstances everyone in society (Fraser, 1995, p. 83). Fraser also likens deconstruction in the culture to transformative recognition politics, where prevailing collective identities and disparities would be destabilized, in turn restoring the self-esteem and confidence of members of disparaged groups (Fraser, 1995, p. 83). Once we embarks on these revolutionizing policies, Frye argues, can society “meet the requirements of justice for all” (Fraser, 1995, p. 93)