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 which will eventually weaken the fabric of small communities. He believed modernity involved the progressive weakening or the destruction of relatively cohesive communities in which human beings have found solidarity and means throughout history (Macionis, 2006). The second characteristic was the expansion of personal choice. Many people lived traditionally and lived their lives according to