Blackwell Reference Online

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Ulrich Beck introduced the term reflexive modernity (also called second modernity) by explicitly demarcating himself from postmodern approaches which would imply that current developments go beyond modernity ( Beck et al. 2003 ). He first outlined his argument in Risk Society (published in German in 1986 and in English in 1992) and later developed it further. The central thesis is that modernity has transformed itself by the radicalized application of the core concepts of modern industrialized society (also called first modernity or simple modernity). Central principles (e.g., the distinction between nature and culture or science and politics), as well as basic institutions (e.g., the gender division of labor, the traditional family, the normal model of the life course), have been transformed into a new modernity. Since “reflexive” often causes misunderstandings Beck has repeatedly emphasized that it does not mean that people in today's society are more self-conscious than in the past. It indicates rather a heightened awareness that mastery of nature, technique, the social, and so on are impossible. Originally, Beck (1992) developed the concept of reflexive modernization referring to the occurrence of a risk society and growing institutional individualization. New risks would occur as unexpected side effects of industrialization that take place in nature (e.g., climate change, ... log in or subscribe to read full text