Globalisation, Culture and

LifestyleSeminar Four: Postmodernism and

Culture

Key Lessons from the Lecture

Postmodernism is incredibly difficult to define but links to social processes and cultural forms

Incredulity to meta-narratives and the collapse of certainty and boundaries

Identity is much more fluid and less stable

All style and no substance? With so much choice do we actually

crave stability?

Nostalgia and Kitsch

Nostalgia refers to a longing for the past. It is usually sentimental and relates to what was seen to be a happier/simpler time

We see nostalgic references in many areas of postmodern society

Remember when…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=i92ygoGTnoE

Nostalgia and Kitsch

We can see examples of nostalgia in many areas of postmodern life

Can you identify examples of this within the events and entertainment industries

Why do you think we are so attracted to cultural references from the past?

Nostalgia and Kitsch

Kitsch can be defined as art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way

Seen to be in poor taste but attractive nonetheless

Postmodern irony?

Seminar Tasks

Critically discuss the contention that postmodernism is all style and no substance.

Critically discuss the extent to which the fluidity and instability of postmodernism actually leads us to crave stability in our everyday lives.