Reflexive modernization : politics, tradition and aesthetics in the modern social order
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Reflexive modernization : politics, tradition and aesthetics in the modern social order
Polity Press, 1994
- : hbk
- : pbk
Available at 91 libraries
Note
Includes index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
In this book, three social thinkers discuss the implications of "reflexive modernization" for social and cultural theory today. Ulrich Beck's vision of the "risk society" has already become influential. Beck offers a new elaboration of his basic ideas, connecting reflexive modernization with new issues to do with the state and political organization. Giddens offers an in-depth examination of the connections between "institutional reflexivity" and the de-traditionalizing of the modern world. We are entering, he argues, a phase of the development of a global society. A "global society" is not a world society, but one with universalizing tendencies. Lash develops the theme of reflexive modernization in relation to aesthetics and the interpretation of culture. In this domain, he suggests, we need to look again at the conventional theories of postmodernism; "aesthetic modernization" has distinctive qualities that need to be uncovered and analyzed. In the concluding sections of the book, the three authors offer critical appraisals of each other's viewpoints, providing a synthetic conclusion to the work as a whole.
Table of Contents
1. The Re-invention of Politics. Towards a Theory of Reflexive Modernization: Ulrich Beck (University of Munich). 2. Living in a Post-Traditional Society: Anthony Giddens (University of Cambridge). 3. Reflexivity, Modernity and Aesthetics: Scott Lash (University of Lancaster). 4. Replies and Critiques: Ulrich Beck, Anthony Giddens, Scott Lash (University of Munich, University of Cambridge, University of Lancaster).
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