Last Updated on September 18, 2025 by Karl Thompson
This hub brings together all of my resources on postmodernity and postmodernism in sociology. It includes key definitions, summaries of major thinkers, criticisms of postmodernism, and links to in-depth guides on each topic.
Modernity, Postmodernity and Late Modernity – Key Definitions
Sociologists often distinguish between:
- Modernity – the social and cultural condition of industrial society.
- Postmodernity – the condition of globalised, media-saturated, consumer society.
- Late Modernity – the idea that we are still in an advanced stage of modernity, with intensified risks and reflexivity.
👉 See my full guide: Key Definitions: Modernity, Postmodernity, Modernism and Late Modernity.
For a more visual guide see my post: from modernity to postmodernity. This focuses mostly on how society (rather than ideas) changed from modern to postmodern society.
Postmodernisation – describes the shift from modern culture through postmodernisation to postculture, according to Crook, Pakulski and Waters (1992)
Key Ideas of Postmodernism
Some of the key ideas of postmodernism include:
- End of Grand Narratives – Lyotard argues that big theories like Marxism or Functionalism no longer explain social life.
- Relativism – No single version of truth; knowledge depends on perspective and context.
- Hyperreality – Baudrillard suggests media and signs replace reality, making the distinction between “real” and “representation” meaningless.
- Fragmentation of Identity – Identities are fluid, multiple and shaped by media and consumption rather than fixed social structures.
- Consumer Culture – Consumption and lifestyle choices become central to identity and social belonging.
- Scepticism of Science – Science is seen as just another narrative, not a guaranteed route to truth.
- Pluralism and Diversity – Emphasis on difference, cultural mixing and rejection of universal standards.
These ideas challenge sociology’s traditional aims of producing objective, scientific explanations of society.
👉This is my main introductory starter post on Postmodernism – it covers some of the key ideas and key thinkers of postmodernism in an easily accessible fashion, and also why postmodern thought matters for sociology students.
Postmodern Thinkers
This section includes links to more in-depth posts on the main postmodern thinkers.
Key theorists associated with postmodernism include:
- Jean-François Lyotard – the decline of grand narratives.
- Jean Baudrillard – hyperreality and media saturation.
- Michel Foucault – power/knowledge and discourse.
Criticisms of Postmodernism
Postmodernism has been widely criticised for:
- Being too vague and relativistic.
- Neglecting social structures such as class, gender and ethnicity.
- Overemphasising media and culture at the expense of material inequality.
- Providing little practical guidance for social research or policy.
👉 See my dedicated post: Criticisms of Postmodernism.
Postmodernism and Sociology
Postmodernism challenges sociology’s traditional reliance on objectivity, science and grand theories. Instead, it emphasises:
- Fragmented, diverse perspectives.
- A focus on consumption, identity and media.
- Questioning whether sociology itself can provide universal explanations.
The links below looks at how postmodernism has influenced sociological perspectives applied to classic A-level sociology topics such as the family and education.
The postmodern subject – Stuart Hall (I think)
Lash and Lury – The Global Culture Industry – Summary of a book which has something of the postmodern about it.
Postmodernism and Popular Culture –
The postmodernist model of audience effects –
Postmodern theories of leisure, consumerism and identity –
The relationship between postmodernity and religion –
Modern and Postmodern subcultures –
Further Reading on Postmodernity and Postmodernism
David Harvey – The Condition of Postmodernity Chapter 1 summary.
Why Study Postmodernity and Postmodernism?
Postmodernity and postmodernism remain central to sociological debates about whether we have moved beyond modernity, and how culture, media and knowledge are shaped in a globalised world. Understanding these theories helps explain contemporary social life — from consumer culture to identity politics.
To explore more perspectives within A level sociology please see my social theories hub page. This includes links to Modernist theories such as Functionalism and Marxism, and Late Modern theories which are a critical sociological response to postmodernism.