Old and New Identities Old and New Ethnicities Presentation

On Living in
a Liquid
Modern
World
Author : Zygmunt Bauman
Presented by Hadeel
AlQurashi
Background Information
• Philosopher Zygmunt Bauman created
the concept of liquid modernity.
• Liquid modernity refers to the constant
change of identities, global economics,
contemporary society, and social
relationships.
• Life liquidity is based on the idea that
change in modern society happens faster
than it takes enough time to consolidate
the change.
Key arguments of the articles:
Argument 1: Liquid modern
economy
• Liquid life is dominated by waste disposal.
• Waste disposal is the idea that everything is disposable and nothing can be kept forever.
• The suitability and survival of society depend on the effective disposal of waste.
Do you agree with these arguments? Why yes/not? / Explain with
relevance to current events.
• ·Capitalism is grown through creative destruction.
• ·Rapid centralizations of institutional power.
• ·
Argument 2: Liquid Modern Life cannot be standstill
• ·In modern liquid life, there are no long-lasting possessions.
• Strategies formulated to respond to constant changes in life age quickly and become
obsolete.
• Pasts strategies in life cannot effectively handle present and future situations due to
unpredictable changes.
• It is risky and impossible to predict the future based on past events due to constant
changes in life variables.
Do you agree with the argument? Why yes/not? / Explain
with relevance to current events.
• I agree with Zygmunt Bauman’s idea that everything in life is constantly moving
and life can be standstill.
• Change in social morality
• Change in social Institutions like marriage.
Argument 3: Characteristics of liquid society
• The rapid change in society.
• Future uncertainty.
• Fear
• Dissatisfaction.
Explain with relevance to current events.
• Technology and information.
• Predictableness of Human behaviors.
• Changes in social identities
Arguments 4: Liquid life is based on consumption.
• ·The liquid society is organized on principles of consumption.
• Personal identity is based on the products and consumption
• Consumption is meant to shift the plasticity and volatility of life.
Do you agree with the argument? Why yes/not? / Explain
with relevance to current events
• Liquid modernity reduces industrial production and increases consumption.
• Liquid life is based on principles of consumption.
• Examples are increases in prices.
Arguments 5: People who have power and influence
have greater chances of winning.
• Refers to economically stable people
who own several homes and are
socially nomadic.
• Reject the idea that people have equal
rights and opportunities.
• This change is deeply rooted in
individualism.
Do you agree with the argument? Why yes/not? / Explain
with relevance to current events.
• I agree that people in the upper pyramid have greater chances of success.
• The decline of communist societies.
• Change in consumer behavior
Define and explain new terminology that the article
presents
• Liquid modernity – a state in which there is constant dynamism, mobility,
shifting, and changes in the various factors of contemporary society.
• Liquid life – this can be explained as a type of life in which constant uncertainty
exists due to global and societal shifts.
• Liquidity – this can be described as the inability of contemporary society to adopt
standardization or to stay on one course for extended periods.
Application of the terminology
• Liquid modernity can be used to explain the shifts and dynamic nature of the
fashion industry.
• Liquid life can be used to explain the uncertainties experienced by individuals
due to the constant shifts in the fashion industry.
• Liquidity can explain contemporary society’s inability to stick with similar
fashions for extended periods.
Application of the terminology
• ·Liquid modernity can be used to explain the shifts and dynamic nature of the
fashion industry.
• Liquid life can be used to explain the uncertainties experienced by individuals
due to the constant shifts in the fashion industry.
• Liquidity can explain contemporary society’s inability to stick with similar
fashions for extended periods.
Application of the terminology.
• In instances where organizations match individuals’ remunerations and benefits
expectations, gratification is achieved.
• Critical pedagogy in contemporary society can be seen in democratic structures,
which often challenge governments.
• Spiritual lumpenproletariat in contemporary society is reflected by people living
below the poverty line since they are only concerned about survival and
gratification.
Cited Scholars and Their Key
Contribution
• Andrzej Szahaj – a polish philosopher who mainly
deals with the philosophy of culture and politics.
• Joseph Brodsky – An American and
Russian poet and essayist.
• Andrzej Stasiuk – A Polish journalist,
writer, and literary critic best known
for his travel literature.
Critical Analysis of the essay
• Bauman’s essay addresses critical issues in contemporary society.
• The essay’s author provides sufficient examples and explanations to justify his
claims.
• However, the author uses complex explanations and expositions throughout his
discourse.
Summary of the Key Findings
• Consumerism is based on the pursuit of identity and satisfaction, Instead of
material things.
• Therefore, consumers prefer a product that gives them a sense of identity and
enables them to escape their insecure lives.
• Globalization and individualism unite and continue to widen the social gap
between people at the top and at the bottom of the social pyramid.
Conclusion
• Zygmunt Bauman’s theory is based on the idea that changes happen rapidly in
society.
• Liquid consumption and liquid economics provide a theoretical framework for
understanding how people act to align their economic life and consumption with
their identity.
• It is important to inform on consumer culture.
Reference
• Bauman, Z. (2005). Introduction: On Living in a Liquid Modern World. Liquid
Life, 1-14.