Postmodern refers to a philosophical and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to modernism. It questions the assumptions, beliefs, and values of modern society, particularly those related to science, technology, and progress. Postmodernism emphasizes the importance of individual experience, subjectivity, and relativity over objective truth or universal standards. It also challenges traditional notions of identity, such as gender roles and cultural norms, and promotes a more fluid and flexible understanding of self and society.