Last Updated on November 5, 2025 by Karl Thompson
Intro
Terms such as modernity, postmodernity, modernism, postmodernism, late modernity and late modernism are central to sociology, but they are often used in confusing ways.
This post provides clear definitions of each, highlights the key differences, and explains why these distinctions matter. It is designed as a reference guide — with links to in-depth posts on each theory and thinker.
Modernity and Modernism
Modernity refers to the era and condition of industrial and capitalist societies which developed mainly in Europe from the late 18th century onwards. It is characterised by science, rationality, progress, industrialisation, secularisation and the nation-state.
Modernism refers to the cultural, intellectual and artistic movement associated with modernity. It values reason, science, grand narratives, and the idea that society can progress through knowledge and technology.
| Term | Focus | Key Features | Examples/Thinkers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modernity | Historical era / social condition | Industrialisation, capitalism, rationality, nation-state, secularisation | Marx, Weber, Durkheim |
| Modernism | Cultural & intellectual movement | Belief in progress, science, universal truths, functionalism | Enlightenment thinkers, Functionalists |
➡️ For more detail see From Modernity to Postmodernity.
Postmodernity and Postmodernism
Postmodernity refers to the social condition said to emerge from the mid to late 20th century, characterised by globalisation, consumerism, media saturation, diversity, and the decline of traditional institutions and meta-narratives.
Postmodernism is the cultural and intellectual response to postmodernity. It questions truth, progress and science, and emphasises relativism, fragmentation, playfulness, and scepticism towards universal theories.
| Term | Focus | Key Features | Examples/Thinkers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postmodernity | Social condition after modernity | Globalisation, consumer culture, media saturation, decline of tradition, uncertainty | Bauman, Beck (partially), Giddens (partially) |
| Postmodernism | Cultural & theoretical response | Rejection of grand narratives, relativism, fragmented identities, scepticism of truth | Lyotard, Baudrillard, Foucault, Derrida |
➡️ To explore more about postmodernity and postmodernism and their relevance to sociology
Modernism vs Postmodernism in Sociology
| Feature | Modernism | Postmodernism |
|---|---|---|
| View of Knowledge | Belief in objective truth and scientific progress | Rejects objective truth; knowledge is relative and socially constructed |
| Meta-Narratives | Strong faith in grand theories (Marxism, Functionalism, Enlightenment ideals) | Distrust of grand narratives; emphasises fragmentation and diversity |
| Culture & Art | Order, rational design, clear boundaries between “high” and “popular” culture | Blurred boundaries, playfulness, parody, pastiche, mixing of styles |
| Identity | Stable, based on class, gender, nation, occupation | Fluid, multiple, shaped by media, consumption, and globalisation |
| Society | Industrial, nation-state, rational institutions, progress through science | Globalised, media-saturated, consumerist, sceptical of progress |
| Key Thinkers | Durkheim (order), Marx (progress), Weber (rationalisation), Functionalists | Lyotard (end of grand narratives), Baudrillard (hyperreality), Foucault (power/knowledge) |
Late Modernity and Late Modernism
Late Modernity argues that we are still living in modernity, but in a more advanced or intensified stage. Thinkers like Giddens and Beck argue that modern processes (industrialisation, rationalisation, capitalism) have not disappeared but become more complex, producing new risks, globalisation and reflexivity.
Late Modernism is a less commonly used term in sociology, mainly referring to the continuation of modernist styles in art, culture and architecture into the later 20th century.
| Term | Focus | Key Features | Examples/Thinkers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late Modernity | Advanced stage of modernity | Globalisation, risk society, reflexivity, continued importance of science & rationality | Giddens (structuration, reflexivity), Beck (risk society), Bauman (liquid modernity) |
| Late Modernism | Cultural continuation of modernism | Persistence of modernist art/architecture into the late 20th century | Some cultural theorists; not central to sociology |
➡️ More detail: Postmodern and Late Modern Sociological Thought.
Key Thinkers Linked to Each Term
- Modernity → Marx, Weber, Durkheim.
- Modernism → Enlightenment philosophers, Functionalists.
- Postmodernity → Bauman, Beck, Giddens.
- Postmodernism → Lyotard, Baudrillard, Foucault, Derrida.
- Late Modernity → Giddens (research & structuration), Beck (risk society), Bauman (liquid modernity).
Why These Distinctions Matter
- Modernity and modernism describe the social world and its dominant ideas during the industrial era.
- Postmodernity and postmodernism describe (or question) what comes after modernity.
- Late modernity suggests that we never left modernity, but its risks and dynamics have intensified.
Understanding the differences between these concepts is essential for grasping debates about social change, knowledge, and culture in sociology.
➡️ Next: Explore my [Postmodernity Hub] (coming soon) and [Late Modernity Hub] (coming soon) for detailed guides to each theory.
To find out how this material fits into wider sociological theories please see my main sociological theories overview.