The book "Aging Identity: A Dialogue with Postmodernism" examines aging from a point of view that aging is not a decline, but a dynamic change. It looks at aging and the attitude towards the elderly in different cultures and the diversity of aging peoples. The book also looks at the challenges and opportunities that come with aging.
Postmodernism
Modernism was dominant in the culture between the 1890s and around 1945, while Postmodernism emerged after WWII. Modernism was centered on logic, and Postmodernism rejected such strict adherence to rational thought.
Ferdinand de Saussure.
Postmodernism and postmodernists are highly skeptical of explanations which claim to be valid for all groups, cultures, traditions, or races, and instead focuses on the relative truths of each person. Through the use of reason and logic, human beings are likely to change themselves and their societies for the better.
Postmodernists think that something is broken in our culture.
Postmodernism holds the perspective that grand narratives, which once provided overarching explanations for history and society, no longer hold relevance due to the diversity and complexity of modern culture and experiences. Postmodernism emphasizes the idea of multiple truths and individual interpretations, rejecting the notion of a single universal truth.
One example of a theoretical perspective of aging is the Disengagement Theory, which posits that as people age, they naturally withdraw from social roles and relationships leading to a mutual benefit for both the individual and society.
Symbolic-interaction approach
Many people are inspired to embrace their silver hair as a symbol of wisdom and experience. Embracing silver hair can change one's perspective on aging by promoting self-acceptance and challenging societal norms about beauty and youth.
Modernism and postmodernism are philosophical views. Modernism attempts to improve daily life with technological advances whole postmodernism attempts to create progressive movements.
The functionalist perspective in sociology is most closely aligned with the disengagement and activity theories of aging. Functionalist theory emphasizes the role of institutions in maintaining social order. Both disengagement theory (withdrawal from societal roles) and activity theory (engagement in activities to maintain well-being) examine how individuals adapt to aging in relation to societal expectations and norms.
Postmodernism rejects the dogma and practices of any form of modernism, especially a movement in architecture and the decorative arts
Postmodernism is experimental.
The term eclectic is important to describing postmodernism because it refers to a style or approach that borrows elements from various sources, which is a defining feature of postmodernism where there is a mixing of different styles, themes, and ideas. In postmodernism, eclecticism allows for the blending of traditional and contemporary elements, challenging traditional boundaries and creating new forms of expression. This approach reflects the fragmented and diverse nature of postmodernism as a cultural movement.
pathology perspective is used in social work and other areas of human services. It concentrates on the medical aspect of an aging person and the patterns involving dementia etc. strength perspective deals with ensuring quality of life and healthy development by reinforcing fullfillment of potential.
Postmodernism in mass media often involves critiquing capitalist society through the lens of advertising, consumer culture, and media production. It questions the way these elements shape our understanding of reality, truth, and individual identity, often by highlighting their fragmented and superficial nature. Through irony, pastiche, and parody, postmodernism challenges traditional narratives and offers a more critical perspective on the role of mass media in shaping our worldviews.
Authenticity