Research On Bauman'S "liquid Modernity" Social Theory

Bauman's social theory shows four characteristics: from the"socialist"to"modernity", from"post-modernity"to"liquid modernity"."Liquid modernity"is not only the description of social features and attributes in western capitalist society since 1980s, but also the development and summarization on the theory of social structures and individuals."Liquid modernity"is based on"modernity", and it is caused by the reflection on"modernity"and"post-modernity". The generation of"liquid modernity"social theory has its special backgrounds: the controversy between"modernity"and"post-modernity"on the theory has provided a theoretical basis, meanwhile, globalization offers the social reality conditions for the emergence of this theory."Liquid Modernity"manifests as the escape of capital, the political decline and cultural diversity. However, as regard to social individuals, it manifests as the liquidity of individual existence, the fragmentation of individual thinking and the confusion of individual behaviors."Liquid modernity"is absolutely full of characteristics, which takes contradiction as the core value, the individuality as basis and criticism as well as reflectiveness as a driving force mechanism, and the three constitute"Dialectics of Modernity"which implements in this theory thoroughly. Through the comparison of Bauman's"liquid modernity"theory and Beck's"reflexive modernization"theory, we find that they all proclaim the birth of a new social form, however, their differences on the recognition of risky society and the strategies of dealing with risks are really existed. Through the contrast between Bauman's"liquid modernity"theory and Giddens's"late modernity"theory, we discover some differences on the recognition of"modernity", academic attitudes and realities of caring. The"liquid modernity"theory has significant revelation and reference to contemporary modernization in China: as to our country, safeguarding national security and interests to create a peaceful and secure domestic environment should take first place, and energetically promoting the establishment of new international political and economic order is also of importance; for our society, improving the social security system and deepening the reform of the income distribution system are extraordinarily urgent, furthermore, protecting the social self-governing organizations should be put into agenda; for individuals, we must adhere to"people-oriented"concept, and emphasize the importance of every individual to fulfill his moral responsibilities.