Critical Book Review - Modernity and Postmodern Culture by Jim Essay

Critical Book Review - Modernity and Postmodern Culture by Jim McGuigan - Essay Example We are still living in a period of modernity at present. The author also touches on the theories of Baudrillard, Beck, Bauman, Giddens, and others in his field, giving heavy criticism to them all, especially to Baudrillard. McGuigan’s book seems that it is only an introduction at first glance; however, when we look beneath the surface, it is a bit more complex than that. The book does give overviews on topics of modernity and postmodernism; yet, it digs beneath the surface, as it criticizes certain theories and argues specific points in great detail. Not to mention, McGuigan does his best to put his thoughts into simple language, so that his messages can be understood by the common reader or a beginner student who is studying sociology. Along with this, McGuigan’s adds his own personal flavor to the text by inserting his own commentary, especially when it comes to theorists that he does not agree with, some of which has ever so slightly discredited his ideas as one may draw that conclusion that he can agree a bit more respectfully; nevertheless, his views have influenced numerous individuals, and many professionals speak highly of his work. This is evident, as many scholarly articles written on his book alone can be found through research, and he is cited by a number of authors. McGuigan’s book not only touches on the theories of other theorists in his field, it also coincides with other texts, as well as contradicts others. An in-depth analysis of the book, as well as the theorists that have been mentioned will enable us to have more perspective not only on what the message that the book itself is trying to convey to us, we will also be able to have a better understanding of the field of sociology as a whole. McGuigan’s book focuses on three main arguments. The first argument is that there is a distinct difference between modernity