Encapsulating the recent debate on the concepts of modernity and postmodernity, this volume moves beyond speculative discussion to explore the idea of postmodernism at two levels. First, by relating the debate over postmodernity back to traditional social theory. And secondly, be demonstrating the application of postmodernity to the nature of modern societies and contemporary politics. Arguments over modernism and its aftermath are traced to their origins in art, literature, and architecture. The contributors then focus on the contribution of sociology to (...) this cultural dispute, both through the classical theories of Weber and Simmel and in more recent theories. They examine modernist rationality as put forth by Haberma's critical theory and contrast this theory with the works of Lyotard and Baudrillard. The theme of nostalgia as a response to modernization is thoroughly explored in terms of the loss of traditional values, the crisis of modern society, and the rise of sociology. A concluding discussion explores the implications of these arguments for politics, citizenship, the status of women, and social change. (shrink)