...The Future of Modernization Shannon Miskimen SOC 120 Instructor Jim Stein The Future of Modernization Modernization is the process of social change begun by industrialization (Macionis 2006). Modernization is ever present in society and has been for many years. It can be seen in the workplace, in schools, and in almost every home all throughout the world. One could say that modernization is the past, present and future of day to day life and of the world. Modernization in U.S. Society Modernization can be seen in U.S. society everywhere one looks. It is seen in homes, schools, families, and business. Modern theorist Ferdinand Tonnies (1855-1937), seen on the left, said that modernization is the progressive loss of Gemeinschaft, also known as human community (Macionis 2006). Tonnies suggested that the Industrial Revolution had weakened family and tradition. The way that he felt family and tradition had been weakened was that the Industrial Revolution had placed a businesslike emphasis on facts, efficiency, and money. (Macionis 2006). Tonnies may have been right. After the Industrial Revolution, the U.S. became impersonal and rootless. People began to associate with each other in a self interest basis. (Macionis 2006). This became the start of change in the U.S. past and would then evolve the future of the U.S. (Image of Ferdinand Tonnies retrieved from http://germanhistorydocs.ghi-dc.org/images/10008882-r%20copy.jpg.) Modernization in the Past Modernization...
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...Modernization occurs when a society whose structure and purpose was based off of farming and agriculture is faced with a complete or radical change. This changeover takes what once was a simple farming and agricultural community and turns it into an unspiritual, metropolitan and industrialized society. The implementation of new changes and ways required for survival cause traditions to be lost. This paper will examine how modernization has manifested itself in society within the United States, if modernization is likely to continue within the United States or become a world-wide trend. Additionally, this paper will also discuss the consequences of modernization along with advice of the certain and uncertain aspects and perceptions of modernization. Modernization takes place at a gradual rate first with industrialization, then societal changes which cause urbanization and reconstruction of populations. A person often uses the word modernization to convey an image of the progression from a society that was once common to this abreast Western civilization. German sociologist Ferdinand Tönnies’ theory of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft explains that “Industrial Revolution weakened the social fabric of family and tradition by introducing a businesslike emphasis on facts, efficiency, and money” (Macionis, 2006). The theorist that best reflects my perceptions of modernization through similarities of observations and opinions is Ferdinand Tönnies’ who according to Macionis, viewed modernization...
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...Future of Modernization William Watkins SOC / 120 January 22, 2012 Brenda Miller As we begin to ponder the future of modernization, and the possible consequences that are apt to occur, perhaps we should first revisit the definition of modernization. To this end we can start by saying that modernization is thought of as a concept that states that the development of societies can be considered as a standard evolutionary pattern that has a tendency to stimulate growth. It can also be considered as the concept that refers to the process where society goes through several stages, including industrialization, urbanization, and various other social changes, that tend to completely transform the lives of individuals. One must first take into consideration that modernization, taken in-and-of- itself, should not be considered either good or bad. Modernization is not limited to the geographical bounds of the United States but actually affects people worldwide, and has wide ranging effects including politically, socially, economically, and environmentally throughout the entire populated world. Of course, as in most things, there are positive aspects of modernization as well as several consequences. Perhaps it could be posited that Industrialization began the social changes in the United States society that could be referred to as the modernization of the United States. Although there were many changes before industrialization they were perhaps not as wide-ranging or...
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...Future of Modernization SOC/120 May 4, 2013 University of Phoenix Future of Modernization Modernization in the United States has four traits which were identified by Peter Berger in 1977. The first trait was the decline of small, isolated communities. Approximately one hundred years ago there were 40% of Americans living in cities. Today, 80% of the population lives in cities. The next trait is the expansion of personal choice. Most people choose their lifestyles instead of allowing others to make that decision for them. The next trait is the rising amount of diversity in the United States. Interracial couples are more accepted now then it was even 20 years ago. The fourth trait is the orientation toward the future and a growing awareness of time. Now people are planning for their future instead of reminiscing on the past. Karl Marx, A revolutionary socialist believes these traits are necessary for capitalism to flourish. “According to Marx, capitalism draws population away from farms and small towns into an ever-expanding market system centered in the cities” (Society: The Basics, Eleventh Edition, by John J. Macionis, Ch 16, pg 489). Many believed Marx’s views on modern capitalist society were negative, but he was positive on creativity, human freedom, and community. I believe modernization will continue in the United States, as our country is always looking for ways to develop new technology to make things in life quicker and more convenient. Fifteen years...
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...Future of Modernization By Ravon B. Ford SOC 120 September 2, 2012 Mr. Walter James Modernization has come to be apparent in many ways. Some may see this as good, some amt see it as bad. Modernization will persist as time goes on; into the foreseeable future. Modernization has affected everyone around the world and all social classes. But, with modernization comes an outcome that may be inescapable. Modernization displays itself in the United States in several ways. People regularly change things about themselves, such as their values and beliefs system. Modernization has diluted smaller populations, and gave way to technology and urbanization. The social order has become more productive and larger earnings have become the norm. Higher education has gone up, because of a social access and acceptance. And, there are low birth and death rates because people are taking better care of their health, and medical advances. Modernization has benefitted the United States in numerous ways. Before the innovation of motorized modes of travel in 1900's, transportation was accomplished by horse and buggy, train and walking. Today, cars are the chief mode of transportation; along with air and water crafts. In the past, families lived without running water and electricity in their residence, and had to wash clothing with water carried in buckets from a nearby public well. Modernization has lead to the use of running water/ indoor plumbing and electricity. Modernizations have also led...
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...Future of Modernization Shannon Mahone SOC/120 August 7, 2011 Future of Modernization Modernization is the process of social change begun by industrialization. Modernization refers to the changes of social patterns since the time of the Industrial Revolution (Macionis, 2006). The Industrial revolution introduces one invention after another, intending for the inventions to become better and better, but some do not always turn out as intended. Different sociologists have tried to explain modernization each through their own theories. Some known sociologists who have tried to explain modernization are Ferdinand Tonnies, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Peter Berger, and Karl Marx. Questions have arisen as to where or not modernization will continue in the United States, and to what theory best reflects my personal perception of modernization. Modernity is simply looked at as a way to better a person’s life. People tend to use things that benefit them. For example, in the earlier years, horse and carriage was society’s only way of transportation. As times changed, automobiles were introduced and horse and carriages were phased out (Chris, 2004). One sociologist Peter Berger identified four major characteristics of modernization. One was the decline of small, traditional communities. Berger believed modernization gave capitalism the upper hand in the world of economy while exploiting the working class society. This brings about the decline of small traditional communities...
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...Future of Modernizations SOC/120 January 8 2012 Modernization manifests itself in the U.S. In many different ways. The reading suggest Peter Berger defined the key factors of modernizations as being an increase in diversity, a decrease in traditional communities, more awareness to personal choice, and a look towards the future and realization of time. One main key feature in modernization manifesting itself is the fact that most of the population lives in the bigger parts of cities. 80 percent of the population according to population bureau, 2010. Their statistics showed that individuals would much rather live in bigger cities, even after knowing that health care pollution were greater in these places. The studies showed that rural areas can give one a healthier living standard, but people continue to choose to live with consequences that the may be encountered with. I think that people do not even realize the difference between the two, they just find that living in the bigger cities makes their life seem easier. The statistics also showed that the individuals that live in the bigger parts of the cities tend to rely on drugs and alcohol more than the individuals that choose to live in rural areas. I really do not see modernization trends changing anytime soon. Modernization has been happening for many years and has improved individuals life's over a period of time. I think that we have...
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...What topics should be considered for studying development? The Modernization Paradigm Development has three spheres: the social, the economic and the political sphere. Although capitalism can be classified as a part of the economic sphere, modernization can affect all three. Social, in a sense that the people’s belief change overtime as their surroundings also transforms; political, where new policies are made in accordance to problems due to growing population and; economic, where industrialization is evident. Modernization is a term and approach that came into widespread use in the early 1960s, as a consequence of the efforts by a group of development specialists in the United States to develop an alternative to the Marxist account of social development. Modernization implies that the purpose of the development is the transformation of the traditional agrarian culture into industrial society where everything is a commodity. At the same time, modernization theory looks at the positive benefits of nations modernizing. New technologies often bring with them advancements in medical care, food production, education, and disaster protection. While modern communications can lead to a homogeneous culture, it can also help spread social ideals of greater liberty and freedom. Societies that modernize tend to move towards more free and open systems of government, greater equality between genders, religions, and races, and more invested populaces. While it has alarming consequences...
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...Modernization generally refers to social structures at present, especially that established in an industrialized society where urbanization and specialization as well as technological advancement are only among the indicators. Emile Durkheim's (1997,orig.1893) ideas on modernization, while sharing Tonnies' Gemeinschaft & Gesellschaft (1968,orig.1925)ideas on the nature of modern societies echoes aspect of Karl Weber's Rationalization(1978) theories on modernity while wholly embracing that capitalism is as much a result and a cause of the modern world. Specialization and division of labour for Durkheim has created a post-industrial world of highly skilled societies, expertise becomes particular; enhancing dependence and competition, and while success becomes inevitable as well as failure due to the very nature of competition, interdependence and creation of social structures to facilitate the nature of modern markets has created a much globalized economy. Durkheim's ideas on division of labour & specialization is more apt at explaining the technology enhanced global capitalism that our world is practicing, which he calls 'organic solidarity' (1997, orig.1893); at the same time, his ideas on 'anomie' the possible collapse of moral values due to an increasingly individualized & competitive social situation serves to warn and encourages the creation of check & balances to prevent such collapse. The United States is a country that is rich in opportunities and culture...
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...The Air Force and Army Strategic Plans for Modernization The Air Force and the Army have similar views for the needs of modernizing the United States’ military. The strategic plans that each branch outlined in their respective White Papers both emphasize the need for new technologies and continual modernization. Both branches recognize that changes need to be made, but the Air Force and Army differ in the scope and execution of these changes within their branches. Although these details vary, both plans have the common goal of modernizing our military to stay one step ahead of our adversaries and maintaining our global military dominance. Both White Papers echo the age old adage that “compliancy breeds failure”. The Army and the Air Force are both using lessons learned to try to predict future technological needs in an increasingly unpredictable global environment. Details and means differ, but both branches agree that the best way to have a dominant presence while dealing with financial constraints is to focus on unmanned technologies and specialized equipment. The Army is focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles, small unmanned ground vehicles, and modernized surveillance systems (2009 ARMY MODERNIZATION WHITE PAPER). The Air Force, similarly, is building self-sustaining computer networks so that human resources can be focused elsewhere. Also, the strategic plans both emphasis the need of specialized equipment for Special Forces (Moseley, 2007). The strategic plans outlined in...
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...[pic] |Syllabus College of Social Sciences SOC/120 Version 4 Introduction to Sociology | |Copyright © 2011, 2009, 2007, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course is a foundation for studies of sociology. In this course, students gain an understanding of the sociological perspective, theories, and research methods. Students also explore culture, race, ethnicity, socialization, social interaction, deviance, social control, groups, organizations, social and gender stratification, population, and social change. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Macionis, J. J. (2011). Society: The basics (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Recommended Websites: The following are suggested websites that can be used as additional resources for researching information for your CheckPoints and Assignments. U.S. Census...
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...controversial. Many people had difficulty recognizing that trusting in technology was okay. Genetic engineering is ongoing and is very controversial. Some people feel that using genetic engineering is interfering with God’s natural intentions. The invention of the car was intentional and mattered a lot more than other social changes. Without the invention of the car, cultures would not have developed and expanded at near the rate that they did. Modernization by definition is the process of social change begun by industrialization. The key features of modernization are the decline of small, traditional communities, the expansion of personal choice, the increase of social diversity, and orientation toward the future and a growing awareness of time .Religious freedom, individualization, urbanization, and diverse marriages are all example of modernization. The features of these four examples are the expansion of personal choice, and the increase of social diversity. Modernization will continue to occur as the key elements of the key features of modernization occur....
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...ISSUES AFFECTING THE INSTITUITION OF FAMILY AND THEIR SOLUTIONS Abstract Since the discovery of oil, development of trade, quest for education, technological advancement, and globalization, the human life has undergone changes. These changes begin at the nuclear family. Modernization has significantly influenced family structure as expressed socio-culturally, socio-biologically and socio economically. All these change factors are discussed herein highlighting their impact on the family structure today. This paper presents the shift from the traditional family towards the modern family where the size of a family is critical, women are empowered, humanity is becoming more independent in choice, high mobility, economic security is key, medical technology is defining life and media influence on social life is greater. In general the issues affecting the family today have been prescribed by modernization. 1.0 Introduction The traditional family is the basis of life within the society where family existence in relation to high mortality and fertility determines generations to come and explains the origin of lineages. In olden days, the society depended on the nuclei unit to support its future generational growth. In his report Moynihan asserts that the family is the basic social unit of life. It’s the basic socializing unit and adult conduct in society is learned as child. In the history of the family, mortality, economic constraints, ideological choices were different...
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...Examine the debates between modernization and dependency theory. Which one is more compelling? This essay will analyze the definitions of modernisation and dependency theory, the similarities and differences between them and it will evaluate which one is more convincing. Modernization is an imposing theory around many different disciplines for the reason that it attempts to explain how society develops and what variables are involved in the development and how society react to these changes looking at internal factors such as social and cultural structures. As Diana Kendall mentions, "Urbanization accompanied modernization and the rapid process of industrialization." (Kendall 2007) Modernization theory has developed in three different parts; the first part appeared in the 1950s and 1960s, when the dominance of materialistic western, individualist culture and individual achievement became the influential and dominant way of life during this period of time. The second part of modernization theory is part of the “idea of progress” that was accepted in the 1980s with the thought of people themselves could develop and transform their society. The last part of modernization theory takes place in the 1990s and it tries a more neutral approach without being in favor or against western modernization. Rather it attempts to expose the disagreements in the modernization process and to explain the consequences of modernity for individuals in contemporary society (Giddens, 1991a, 1991b)...
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...Benjamin Ghise Modernization Industrialism is one of the biggest advances in American history yet, considering that the evolution of American economy is intertwined with massive transformation in American values and culture. These changes in values and culture are referred to as modernization. Modernization is responsible for changing traditional ways that are part of the basis of how we live in today’s modern world. It allowed people to feel free to think, express themselves, make choices, and ultimately improve the individual’s way of life. The major changes from modernization were changes in education, emancipated women, modernism in religion, and transformations in leisure. Modernization in education began with two major changes to traditional education. They were setting for changes in formal education, which took place mainly in schools, and then privately organized lectures and institutes began to reach more people, mostly adults. There was an increase in public school attendance, but students were going to just get enough skills that would qualify them for the white-collar jobs that were up and coming. Some families would urge their kids to further their education beyond elementary school, so they could have greater option and choice in the future. Teachers also had a wider range of personal experiences, allowing students to break away from just learning about their own cultural traditions, and therefore allowing them to help them take part in a larger...
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