BAUMAN'S TRANSFORMATION THEORY

Bauman's Theory of Transformation from Solid Modernity to Liquid Modernity

Bauman's Theory of the Transformation from Solid Modernity to Liquid Modernity

Introduction

If we throughly study the transfomation theory proposed by Bauman; it is clear that it serves as an introduction to his extensive works on societal transformation and shifts. In the first question he asks what modernity is and what are the traits that set it apart; such as historical period, from the previous ones. The answer to this first question includes changing relationship between space and time: "Time takes a story where the speed of movement in space becomes a matter of intelligence". In the relationship between space and time, space represents the solid side and stolid and therefore heavy medal, while the time is the secondary fluid, dynamic and ever changing in this relationship.

Moreover, the second question leads us directly to the heart of the topics covered by Bauman, and therefore the question posed by Bauman reads: "modernity was not perhaps the beginning of liquefaction?" (Bauman, 2000, pp. 48). Through this second question it is possible to consider the history of modernity as a long process of continuous liquefaction of all the solids. This paper focuses on presenting the key features and differences between the concepts of solid and liquid modernity, presented by Bauman.

Discussion

Zygmunt Bauman believes that individuals hailing from “liquid modern societies” should develop the ability to get away from the reusable and dominant aspects of consumerism; in order to form an alternative discourse which relates to the modern societies (Garrett, 2011, pp.1).

Key Features & Differences

Bauman's Idea of Liquefaction

The idea of liquefaction as proposed by Zygmunt Bauman is developed from the premise that “rapid transformations in modern societies cannot oversee the fluid nature of social practices”. Whether the process evolves out of reflexivity or charisma. It was Bauman's idea of Liquefaction which highlights the poststructuralist sociological attempts to dissolve the solid modernity observable in modern institutions (Bielefeld, 2002, pp. 117).

Transformation of Solid into Liquid Modernity

The broad array of consumer goods in modern societies i.e. possession of capital assets represent Solid Capitalism in the society. In the early periods of modern capitalism, such possessions were believed to be of durable and permanent nature and possession and control over them was meant to be the ultimate goal.

If we are to closely analyse the transformation of solid modernity into liquid; the various societal changes i.e. norms, values, social paradigms and shifts need to be thoroughly studied. In contemporary societies, Bauman's idea of 'liquid modernity' has become quite popular among sociologists and academics. The transformation could also be addressed by highlighting the imbalances in his concepts of 'solid modernity'. Similarly, the major issues with Bauman's theorisation reflect the role of corruption, segregation and institutionalisation in the transformation (Bauman & Tester, 2001, pp.1).

In liquid modernity, consumption is the priority of each individual, and mainly the consumption / purchase of personal identity through identification. This kind of market identity is combined with the flexibility of their processes of liquid ...