Postmodernity refers to the state of being after modernity. Some see modernity as ending in late 20th century, others extend it. Postmodernity differs from postmodernism, which is the adoption of postmodern philosophies
Ulrich Beck's Risk Society sold 60,000 copies in first five years. Book has had meteoric impact on institutional social science. Beck's personal style makes translation difficult
Japan is an island nation in East Asia with unique cultural blend of tradition and modernity. Japan's population is 99% Japanese, with significant Chinese and Korean minorities. The country is divided into 47 prefectures and 800 cities
Born in 1864 in Erfurt to a wealthy family with political and intellectual connections. Trained in law at Heidelberg and Berlin universities. Became professor at Freiburg and Heidelberg, founding influential intellectual circles. Suffered a breakdown in 1897 after his father's death
Born in 1903 as Theodor Ludwig Wiesengrund in Frankfurt. Studied philosophy and music, became professor before being expelled by Nazis. Left Germany in 1934, lived in Oxford, New York, and California. Returned to Frankfurt in 1949, became director of Institute of Social Research. Published major works including Dialectic of Enlightenment and Aesthetic Theory
Modernity refers to social life modes emerging in Europe from 17th century onwards. Modern institutions are unique and distinct from traditional social orders. Modernity creates unprecedented global social interconnection. Modernity is marked by extreme pace of change and scope of transformation