There are three distinct characteristics that allow us to recognize the difference from modernity; changes in capitalism, changes in the consumer society, and the rise of a global society. There are many ways in which society in modernity can be separated from society at present in postmodernity. In modernity reason was based on the foundations upwards, whereas in postmodernity there are multiple factors and multiple levels of reasoning, almost wed-orientated. In modernity science was viewed as the universal optimism, whereas in postmodern times science was seen as a realism of limitations. Lastly, in modernity language was referential; which contrasts with the view in postmodernity that language has a meaning in social contexts through its usage.
Rationality and empirical data became important cornerstones of Enlightenment thought. Meanwhile, John Locke broke with the religious doctrine of Original Sin in his An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. He argued that humans were a blank slate (tabula rasa) upon entering the world, and were subsequently shaped by temporal experiences. Like the later philosophes, Locke believed that the human condition could be improved. Britain’s domestic stability formed another major influence upon the philosophes, especially given the corruption and inefficiancy of the French government.
Durkheim sees anomie as responsible for the world’s disorder of economics- the lack of morality and regulation resulted in overpowering the weak; thus, he feels that only norms can prevent the abuse of power and calls for regulation and equal opportunity from birth- the greater the equal opportunity the less need for restraint. Marx looked at how capitalism separated humanity by making work a simple means of individual existence. In addition he describes society in terms of class and economic conflicts. Marx saw proletariat or people of a working class as being underneath the bourgeoisie or the capitalist of a modern society. Marx looked at how alienation of production of commodities by workers also leads to alienation of social life.
When things do not always turn out the way that they are supposed to and take a turn for the worse, primarily the blame is pointed in the direction of Capitalism. It is viewed by some as a system where the rich attack the poor, as well as the use of the government to abuse the rights of minorities and the vulnerable. As Murphy describes this is not the case, the mistaken viewers implement practices that most likely caused the situation in to begin with. It is in his book that Murphy addresses such issues that are blamed on
A result of tariffs on imported goods was that the exporting country would retaliate by imposing tariffs on imports. This would lead to a game of “one-upmanship”, with tariffs inching ever-higher, eventually leading to either a drastic reduction, or even cessation of trade. This choking of international trade eventually depressed world demand, and led to the Great Depression of the 1930s (Hill, 2009, p. 11). After World War II, the leading industrial nations decided to reduce or eliminate restrictions to free trade. One outcome of this effort was the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trades (GATT).
List problems that stem from globalization related to economic development, labor issues, and the environment. Explain the origins and effects of labor migration, outsourcing, and offshoring. Describe possible approaches to dealing with the problems presented by globalization. Key Ideas Critics of globalization believe that it is harmful because it is driven by narrow economic interests. The benefits of globalization are unevenly distributed, and it causes hardship for poorer countries.
In Joyce Appleby’s book, Inheriting the Revolution, there is a focus on the “First Generation of Americans” and how they were able to differentiate themselves from past American generations. This “first generation” broke away from the ideas and the methods of their parents. For example, the expansion of the commercial economy played a vital role of the new generation. Also citizen rights became a more prevalent subject as all white men started to be treated equally and the abolition movement as well as the women’s rights movement begun. These were the people who made fundamental changes from the colonial era to the revolutionary era thus spawning the true American society.
Likewise, the United States’ trade is becoming unprofitable as American goods are struggling to compete against cheaper foreign made goods. The shocking similarities between the Great Depression and today’s market foreshadow a darker future for the international
The argument or what Hobson called “the economic taproot of imperialism” was excessive capital in search of investment, and that this excessive capital came from over saving made possible by the unequal distribution of wealth. (The New Imperialism/The Latin Library, Thompson) The remedy, he maintained, was internal social reform and a more equal distribution of wealth. (New Imperialism Lecture Notes, J. Hollis & Western Heritage, pg 828). Meanwhile, Lenin and other Marxists believed imperialism resulted in the demise of capitalism. As wealth concentrates in fewer hands, the ability for investment at home is reduced resulting in foreign investments and exploit weaker nations.