Deck 24: B: Social Change

Question 1

Does McDonald's opening restaurants around the world encourage modernity at the expense of tradition?

Answer 1

The question of whether McDonald's opening restaurants around the world encourages modernity at the expense of tradition is a complex one that touches on issues of globalization, cultural exchange, and economic development. Here's a nuanced exploration of the topic:

On one hand, McDonald's, as a symbol of American fast-food culture, is often seen as a representative of modernity, especially in the context of its global expansion. The brand's presence in various countries around the world can be seen as a form of cultural imperialism, where the spread of Western lifestyles and consumer habits is perceived to overshadow and potentially erode local traditions and culinary practices. This can lead to concerns about the loss of cultural diversity and the homogenization of global food culture.

The standardized menu and business model of McDonald's provide a consistent experience regardless of location, which can be appealing to consumers looking for familiarity and convenience. This can sometimes result in local food establishments struggling to compete with the international chain, potentially leading to a decline in traditional foodways and local businesses.

On the other hand, McDonald's has also made efforts to adapt to local cultures and tastes, offering region-specific menu items that cater to local preferences. This can be seen as a form of cultural exchange and adaptation rather than a one-way imposition of foreign values. For example, McDonald's in India offers vegetarian options and has removed beef from its menu to respect local dietary customs, while in Japan, the chain serves items like the Teriyaki Burger, which incorporates local flavors.

Moreover, the presence of McDonald's in a country can also be a sign of economic development and modernization, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the growth of the service sector. It can also lead to the development of local supply chains and infrastructure improvements.

In conclusion, whether McDonald's encourages modernity at the expense of tradition is not a straightforward question. While there are valid concerns about cultural homogenization and the impact on local traditions, there are also examples of cultural adaptation and economic benefits. The effects of McDonald's on tradition and modernity vary by location and are influenced by the ways in which local communities interact with and respond to the global brand. It is important to consider these nuances when discussing the cultural impact of multinational corporations like McDonald's on different societies around the world.

Question 2

What is "postmodernity"?

Answer 2

Postmodernity refers to the cultural, intellectual, and social state or condition that is said to exist after modernity, which is associated with the Enlightenment and the period of industrialization, modernization, and rationalization in the 18th and 19th centuries. Postmodernity is characterized by a set of attitudes and approaches that question or critique aspects of modernity, such as the belief in objective truth, the idea of progress, and the reliance on grand narratives to explain historical and social phenomena.

Key features of postmodernity include:

1. Skepticism towards metanarratives: Postmodernity is skeptical of grand, overarching theories or narratives that claim to explain all aspects of human experience or history. This skepticism is often associated with the work of French philosopher Jean-François Lyotard, who argued that in the postmodern condition, people have become distrustful of these metanarratives.

2. Emphasis on plurality and diversity: Postmodernity embraces the diversity of cultures, perspectives, and lifestyles, often celebrating difference and rejecting the idea of a single, dominant culture or viewpoint.

3. Fragmentation and deconstruction: Postmodern thought often involves the deconstruction of texts, ideas, and structures to reveal the complexity, contradictions, and multiple meanings that lie beneath the surface. This approach is associated with the work of philosophers like Jacques Derrida.

4. Blurring of boundaries: Postmodernity is marked by the blurring of distinctions between high and low culture, as well as the mixing of different genres, styles, and media. This can be seen in the rise of pastiche and the collapse of traditional artistic hierarchies.

5. The rise of consumer culture and media saturation: Postmodernity is often linked to the proliferation of media and the commodification of culture, where images and signs become detached from their original contexts and take on new meanings.

6. Questioning of identity and subjectivity: Postmodernism challenges the notion of a stable, coherent identity, suggesting instead that the self is a construct influenced by language, power, and social relationships.

7. A focus on the local and the specific: Instead of universal truths or principles, postmodernity often emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and specific, contextual understandings.

Postmodernity is not a single, unified movement or theory but rather a loose collection of ideas and attitudes that have influenced various fields, including art, architecture, literature, philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies. It has been both celebrated for its openness to new ideas and ways of thinking and criticized for leading to a sense of relativism and the erosion of shared values and meanings.

Question 3

Define the concepts gemeinschaft and gesellschaft in ways that make their difference clear.

Answer 3

no answer

Question 4

In a sentence or two,what is the basic idea behind class-society theory?

Question 5

Is modernization the same around the world? Why or why not?

Question 6

What are Peter Berger's four major characteristics of modernization?

Question 7

What did Max Weber say was the defining trait of modern society?

Question 8

Briefly,make the argument that Canadians and Americans are the same.

Question 9

What did Emile Durkheim say about modernization changing society's solidarity? What about modernization affecting specialization?

Question 10

Explain Emile Durkheim's point in saying that modern society is characterized by "organic solidarity."

Question 11

According to mass-society theory,what problems do modern individuals face? What does class-society theory have to say about the personal problems of modern people?

Question 12

What are four key characteristics of the process of social change?

Question 13

What are the three important causes of cultural change?

Question 14

In a sentence or two,what is the basic idea behind mass-society theory?

Question 15

What demographic (population)trends are reshaping Canada?

Question 16

Briefly,make the argument that Canadians and Americans are different.

Question 17

Write a one-sentence statement of the prospects for positive social change in poor nations for each of the two theoretical approaches: modernization theory and dependency theory.