Theorising New Poverty: Zygmunt Bauman - Practicing Sociology (week 5)

Module: Practicing Sociology


Week 5 – Theorising New Poverty: Zygmunt Bauman


Last week we applied a political approach to poverty. This week, we are looking at
poverty with a theoretical approach.


Liquid modernity
 Zygmunt Bauman was not a Marxist

 Liquid modernity  the idea that things are not fixed in society

 The 1950’s was the peak of solid modernity, but since then we have shifted to
liquid modernity.

 Spread of technology

 The ability to move across time easily

 Individualism = the idea that individuals have lots of responsibility put on their
shoulders; you make your own choices.

 Nomadic = means not fixed in one place


Globalization
 Bauman didn’t really like using the term globalization

 Globalization has altered our understanding of time and space  the world
has become much smaller as now you can connect with people at any time.

 Developments in technology  it’s easier now for people and capital to move
around. Trading of financial wealth around the world has contributed to
massive wealth disparity.

 Bauman distinguishes between the tourists (the wealthy) and the vagabonds
(the poor)  the rich can choose to move around the world freely, whereas
for the poor, it is forced upon them.


The consumer society
 Consumption experience – something being used up and thrown away

 Tourists consume something new and find something that is exciting