Lyotard's incredulity toward metanarratives
Lyotard defines postmodernity as disbelief in 'metanarratives' (grand theories claiming universal truth): Enlightenment progress, Marxist history, scientific rationality. Postmodern knowledge is local, contingent, plural.
Real World
The rise of social media 'influencer culture' reflects Lyotard's postmodern condition: rather than trusting scientific or governmental authority, young people follow dozens of competing, niche micro-narratives from creators like those on TikTok or YouTube.
Exam Focus
In postmodernism questions, explicitly name metanarratives you are rejecting (e.g. Marxism, scientific progress) — vague references to 'big theories' will not score AO2 marks.
How well did you know this?