Postmodernization

Postmodernization refers to a hypothetical or proposed subsequent stage following modernization, characterized by a shift away from the core tenets and outcomes of the modern era. While modernization is often associated with industrialization, rationalization, secularization, and the rise of nation-states, postmodernization suggests a departure from these developments. Instead, it is theorized to involve a deconstruction of grand narratives, a blurring of boundaries between high and low culture, and a focus on plurality, fragmentation, and the subjective experience.

Key concepts often linked to postmodernization include the rise of consumerism, the impact of media and technology on identity, and a skepticism towards universal truths. It is not a universally accepted or definitively defined historical period, but rather a theoretical framework used by some social scientists and cultural critics to analyze contemporary societal trends. Unlike modernization, which describes a relatively linear process of development, postmodernization is seen as more complex and less predictable, often involving a questioning of established institutions and ideologies. The term itself is debated, with some scholars preferring to describe contemporary society as late-modern or hypermodern.