In search of second modernity: reinterpreting reflexive modernization in the context of multiple modernities

Abstract

Ulrich Beck's contention that first modernity has metamorphosed into second or reflexive modernity is an attempt at explaining social change in Europe at the meta-level. This explanation involves raising the issues of contingency and boundaries to distinguish second from first modernity. A critique of these issues and their assumptions suggests an attempt to reinvent modernity without considering its shifting centre. It is argued that second modernity cannot be discussed in isolation from developments in the non-European world that have given rise to the concept of multiple modernities.

L'affirmation de Ulrich Beck selon laquelle la première modernité se serait métamorphosée en seconde modernité ou modernité réflexive veut expliquer le changement social en Europe à un méta-niveau. Cette explication implique de poser le problème de la contingence et des limites pour distinguer la seconde modernité de la première. Une analyse critique des problèmes posés et de leurs présupposés amène à s'efforcer de ré-inventer la modernité sans tenir compte de son changement de centre. L'auteur pose que la seconde modernité ne peut être analysée isolément des développements du monde non-Européen qui a donné naissance au concept de modernités multiples.

Keywords

Beck Boundaries Contingency Modernities Reflexivity

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