Second modernity as a research agenda: theoretical and empirical explorations in the 'meta-change' of modern society |
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Authors: | Beck Ulrich Lau Christoph |
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Affiliation: | Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich. u.beck@uni-muenchen.de |
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Abstract: | In this article we are reformulating the theory of reflexive modernization as an empirical research programme and summarize some of the most recent findings which have been produced by a research consortium in Munich (integrating four universities, funded by the German Research Society (DFG)). On this basis we reject the idea that Western societies at the beginning of the twenty-first century move from the modern to the post-modern. We argue that there has been no clear break with the basic principles of modernity but rather a transformation of basic institutions of modernity such as the nation-state and the nuclear family. We would suggest, therefore, that what we are witnessing is a second modernity. Finally, we reform the theory of reflexive modernization in reaction to three uttered objections. |
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Keywords: | Reflexive modernization postmodernity individualization globalization boundary transcendence decision-making |
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