Postmodernism – Power, Discourse & Crisis of Modernity
UPSC PSIR | Political Ideologies | Advanced Theoretical Framework
1️⃣ INTRODUCTION
Postmodernism emerged as a critique of Enlightenment rationality and modern political thought.
Core Claim: There is no single universal truth.
Knowledge is shaped by power.
2️⃣ BACKGROUND
Modernity emphasized:
- Reason
- Science
- Progress
- Universal values
Postmodernism challenges these assumptions.
3️⃣ CORE IDEAS
- Rejection of grand narratives
- Power-knowledge relationship
- Fragmented identities
- Relativism of truth
- Suspicion of universal morality
4️⃣ KEY THINKERS
- Michel Foucault
- Jean-François Lyotard
- Jacques Derrida
5️⃣ KEY CONCEPT: DISCOURSE
Discourse = System of ideas that shapes what is considered truth.
Example: State defines crime, normality, deviance.
6️⃣ POSTMODERNISM & POWER
Power is not centralized.
It exists in institutions:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Prisons
- Media
7️⃣ POSTMODERNISM vs LIBERALISM
- Liberalism believes in universal rights.
- Postmodernism questions universality.
8️⃣ POSTMODERNISM vs MARXISM
- Marxism → Class as primary conflict
- Postmodernism → Multiple fragmented identities
9️⃣ RELEVANCE TODAY
- Identity politics
- Gender discourse
- Media narratives
- Algorithmic governance
- Fake news & truth crisis
🔟 CRITICISMS
- Extreme relativism
- Weak normative foundation
- Undermines political action
📝 MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss postmodern critique of modern political theory.
- Explain power-knowledge relationship.
- Is postmodernism anti-political?
- Postmodernism and identity politics.
QUICK REVISION MAP
- Grand narratives
- Discourse
- Power-knowledge
- Fragmented identity
- Relativism
“Truth is produced through power.”
Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Ideology Series
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