Theories and Perspectives - Societies and sociology in transformation - Reflexivity, risk and cosmopolitan theory

5 important questions on Theories and Perspectives - Societies and sociology in transformation - Reflexivity, risk and cosmopolitan theory

What does social reflexivity mean?

  • A state of constantly having to think about the circumstances in which we live our lives.
  • Prevalent in contemporary life because we live in a digital, information age.

German Sociologist Ulrich Beck (1944-2015) calls contemporary society the 'second modernity.'
What does this mean?

  • Modern institutions are becoming global.
  • Every day life is breaking free from the hold of tradition and custom.
  • Old industrial society is replaced by a risk society.

German Sociologist Ulrich Beck (1944-2015) labels our society as a 'risk society.'
What is a risk society?

  • The world hasn't become riskier, but the most pressing risks of our time have global consequences, not merely personal.
  • This is due to risk that now derives from our own social development, and that of science and technology, instead of natural dangers or hazards.
    • E.g., Global warming, Earthquake (natural hazard) in Japan becoming a bigger disaster because of our development of nuclear power plants.
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What does German sociologist Ulrich Beck (1944-2015) mean with his theory of 'cosmopolitanism?'

Refers to the idea that contemporary societies are increasingly characterized by a global interdependence that transcends traditional boundaries.

What can you tell about Ulrich Beck?

  • Ulrich Beck (1944-2015) was a German sociologist.
  • Phase of 'second modernity.'
  • Risk society.
  • Cosmopolitanism.

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