The history of postmodernism

1. LO: To identify how postmodernism began

2. Write a definition of PoMO
 On a post it note: write a definition of Postmodernism

3. Let’s just recap!
 What does the term Postmodern mean?
 The term postmodernism can be difficult to define but
in its simplest form it means a time after modernity.

4. What is modernity?
 The issue of when modernity took place is frequently
debated by sociologists. Modernist times are
frequently referred to as Fordist times (named after
Henry Ford the car manufacturer). This was a heavily
capitalist era all about mass production and
standardisation. The large company owners held the
power and could produce a standardised and formulaic
product which would saturate the mass market. This
filtered into Media with the large studios and
production companies dominating the market.

5. So when did the Postmodern era
begin?
 Capitalism is still present in today’s society; however,
consumers are looking for originality and choice. This
is reducing the strength of the large companies and
giving the consumer more power. The need to provide
consumers with a unique product has been the catalyst
for technological developments. Consumers are raising
expectations and individuality.

6. 1970’s/1980’s
 An exact date signalling when Postmodernism is not
available. It is generally considered to be around the
late 1970’s and 1980’s when people were travelling more
and there was greater access to technology.
 A wider range of occupations and more social mobility
is taking place.

7. When did the Theorists start
talking about POMO?
 Lyotard began was discussing the Metanarratives
theory ( There are no longer ‘grand narratives’) in 1985
 “Our World is being remade. Mass production,
the mass consume, the big city, big brother
state…… are in decline. Flexibility, diversity,
differentiation…. Are in the ascendant…” (Hall, et
al. 1988)

8. Research Task
 Create an essay plan using the sheet provided to plan
answer to the following question:
 “What difference does postmodernism make to our
media experience?”