paradigm – example, model, standard

theorists

ronald barthes – myths

saussure – signs and signifiers

c s pierce –

Quotes from Modernity and Self Identity: Self and Society in the Late Modern Age (Anthony Giddens)

• Yet because of the “openness” of social life today, the pluralization of contexts of action and diversity of “authorities”, lifestyle choices is increasingly important in the constitution of self identity and daily activity.
• In modern social life, the notion of lifestyle takes on a a particular significance
• Reflexively organised life planning, which normally presumes consideration of risks, as filtered through contact with expert knowledge, becomes a central feature of the structuring of self identity.
• Which consists in the sustaining of coherent, yet continuously revised, biographical narratives, takes place in the context of multiple choice as filtered through abstract systems.

Giddens structuration theory

Giddens argues that just as an individual’s autonomy is influenced by structure, structures are maintained and adapted through the exercise of agency so structuration theory attempts to understand human social behaviour by resolving the competing views of structure-agency and macro-micro perspectives.

The structure is the recurrent patterned arrangements which influence or limit the choices and opportunities available. Agency is the capacity of individuals to act independently and to make their own free choices.

A macro perspective is basically looking at the bigger picture of things as a whole. A micro-perspective is taking a “deeper dive” and looking at the specifics of things.

Gauntlett theory of identity

Gauntlett said that rather than being zapped straight into peoples brains, media messages and idea about lifestyle and identity that appear in the media which help individuals think through their sense of self and modes of expression, This can create our own identity and even influence other peoples.