Research On Bauman’s "Liquid Modernity" Theory

Liquid Modernity of Zygmunt Bauman is the result of his reflection on modernity.From the elaboration of "post-modernity" to the proposal of "liquid modernity",it is,in essence,to better refer to the current situation and nature of modernity.Obviously,Bauman didn’t agree with those post-modernists who often assumed that the concept or the era of modernity was over.For him,liquid modernity is neither the change of times,nor the arrival of a new era,but a change of attitude or self-consciousness.Therefore,he believes that we have been still in the era of modernity up till now.The liquid modernity theory is put forward to better express the new realistic content of modernity.There exists a continuous relationship between liquid modernity and the development of modernity as modernity originates from modern times,then extends and develops until it has the characteristics of liquidity.Based on this premise,this paper discusses Bauman’s thought in four chapters.The first chapter is the introduction,elaborating the significance of this paper,the current researches at home and abroad,and the review of Bauman’s works on "liquid modernity".The second chapter is about the background and connotation of "liquid modernity",introducing the development of Bauman’s thought,from modernity to post-modernism,and to liquid modernity.The paper reveals the deep reflection and critical spirit of Bauman’s thought;more importantly,it explains the continuity of Bauman’s thought,denies the theory that his thought is "broken" and he is a "postmodernist".The third chapter analyzes the basic situation and dilemma of "liquid modernity",and discusses the core issues and dilemmas in the era of "liquid modernity".Generally speaking,Bauman summarizes the basic situation of the liquid modern society into three aspects: consumer society,a new "relationship between survival and consumption" of modern life;globalization,an era of separation of power and politics;individualized,the individuals of loneliness and self-responsibility.The last chapter is about the realistic appeals and reflections of "liquid modernity",further revealing the inherent political appeals made by Bauman in the face of plights.Therefore,this paper begins with the "discovery" of liquid mobility,and then analyzes the basic situation exposed by liquid mobility.Finally,it critically discusses the serious consequences caused by liquid mobility to further touch upon the solutions given by Bauman.This shows that Bauman pays more attention to the western social reality and human survival experience,in an effort to find a political solution.