K pojmu reflexivní modernizace v sociologii

Abstract

The author has attempted a systematic interpretation of the concept of the theory of reflexive modernisation in contemporary sociology. He contrasts the meanings of the terms „modernity“ and „modernisation“, doing so in the analytical, temporal and spatial context of the evolution of the main sociological approaches to the theory of modernisation. The author points out the fact that western ethnocentrism is in current conditions coming up against its limits. Reflexive modernisation is explored primarily as a critical reaction, in part to the classical theory of modernisation, and in part to the theory of postmodernisation. The theory of reflexive modernisation has emerged once again primarily in the context of the reflection of western societies, a fact evident in the emergence of the theory of the modernisation of modern society. Another central characteristic is emphasis on the side effects of the modernising process as the moving forces of the development of reflexive modernisation. The author documents these aspects with an analysis of the concept of the risk society and the so-called second modern movement of Ulrich Beck, as well as Anthony Giddens's concept of the evolution of modern reflexivity in late high modern society. The mutual dependencies associated with global modernisation are creating a dilemma for the investigation of social changes. On the one hand there is historical evolution on the time axis, and on the other mutual relations in supranational globalised spaces. The historical and supranational configurations are having an effect on the theoretical starting-points of research on the social consequences of transformation and their reflexivity in the conditions of life of our society.