ABSTRACT
It is obvious from Chapter 2 that there is a plurality of positions within the postmodern space of social theory. But it is possible to identify broad groupings. The two most obvious to emerge are undoubtedly the nihilistic extremes of Baudrillard and Lyotard and the more constructive, critical postmodernisms of Jameson, Laclau and Mouffe, and Foucault. Another important distinction that emerges is between those who attempt to formulate new theories of knowledge (e.g. Foucault and Lyotard) and those who are concerned with the ‘experience’, manifestations and implications of the postmodern as found in the economy or society (e.g., Baudrillard and Jameson). The postmodern is therefore quite clearly not going to be easy to put a fix on.
