Post-modern society: values, labor, consumption

The seminar on “Post-modern society: values, labor, consumption”, held as part of the Aspen Seminars for Leaders program, focused on the fact that society is in a phase of transition, moving from a modern industrial age to a fragmented and heterogeneous postmodern society. The seminar was aimed at coming to terms with the changes taking place in the modes of production and those prompted by the use of technology, as well as with the social impact brought about by the information revolution. It was agreed that it was necessary to face up to the profound transformation taking place in daily human existence and in the value system. The question was posed as to whether dialogue, debate, respect for cultural diversity and conflict resolution would need to form some of the cornerstones of this new society in which the sciences and research will play a greater role. It was also acknowledged that the changes inherent in postmodern society will influence and alter the business world, the welfare state, the labor market and consumption.