...Social change by definition is the transformation of culture and social institutions over time. The key features of social change are the following: it happens all of the time, it is sometimes intentional but is often unplanned, it is controversial, and some changes matter more than others. There are several social changes that have occurred in the past, and social changes will continue to occur. Clothing styles, the invention and use of the computer, Genetic Engineering, and the invention of the automobile are all examples of social change. Clothing styles changing happen all of the time, is sometimes intentional but is sometimes an accident, and doesn’t matter that much in the grand scheme of things. The computer was an intentional social change; it was created to better the quality of life, yet it was 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...
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...310 Professor Ahmed Abd Raboh Term Paper Criticize the modernization theory using all available materials on modernization and its critique, providing your own opinion on how modernization leads to development. The way people, societies, and countries develop and interact with each other have a strong influence on deviance. Although societies may differ in appearance and way of life, they all have crime, religion, family structure, politics, and economy. The vast differences in societies are constantly studied and theorized. Grand theories, for example, are meta-theories that examine an aspect of society on a global or national scale. One particular theory of interest is the modernization theory. The modernization theory suggests that the main causes of crime are the repercussions of the rapid development and modernization of nations (Howard 148). The theory of modernization is composed of three distinct Parts: (1) Identification of types of societies, and explanation of how those designated as modernized or relatively modernized differ from others; (2) specification of how societies become modernized, comparing factors that are more or less conducive to transformation; and (3) generalizations about how the parts of a modernized society fit together, involving comparisons of stages of modernization and types of modernized societies with clarity about prospects for further modernization. (Defining Modernization) Part one explains that there must be qualities that differentiate...
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...Christine Bautista, Luis Fernando Ipinasa kay: G.Aaron A.Tolentino, Guro Proyekto Modernization Theory Background of the Theory The idea of modernization is relatively new. Its basic principles can be derived from the Idea of Progress, which emerged in the 18th-century, Age of Enlightenment, with the idea that people themselves could develop and change their society. French philosopher Marquis de Condorcet was involved in the origins of the theory with the concept that technological advancements and economic changes can enable changes in moral and cultural values. Condorcet was the first to make the connection between economic and social development connection and that there can be continuous progress and improvement in human affairs. With that said, new advancements and improvements would need to keep pace with a constantly changing world. Furthermore, he encouraged technological processes to help give people further control over their environments, arguing that technological progress would eventually spur social progress. In addition to social structure and the evolution of societies, the French sociologist Émile Durkheim developed the concept of functionalism, which stresses the interdependence of the institutions of a society and their interaction in maintaining cultural and social unity. His most famous work is The Division of Labour in Society, which described how social order was to be maintained in a society and how primitive societies might make the transition...
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...are born into groups and spend most of our social lives in those same groups. All of us assimilate, at least in part, the perspectives of these groups and thereby acquire our language, values, attitudes, beliefs and sense of identity. The most basic sociological premise is that humans are social beings, shaped in many ways by the groups to which we belong. Whether they be families, athletic teams, clubs (such as sororities and fraternities), religious groups, socioeconomic classes, complex bureaucratic organizations, or nations, much of human life is guided by group norms. Much of human life is also consumed with conflicts between groups, each of which tries to defend its own self interests. The competition of individuals and groups for wealth and power is the fundamental process shaping social structure. The conflict of groups produces a progressive development of greater equality, democracy, autonomy and individuality, as different forms of privilege are abolished. Many factors interact to generate changes in people's behavior and in the culture and structure of their society, including the physical environment, population, clashes over resources and values, supporting values and norms, innovation (discoveries and inventions), diffusion, and the mass media. The need for the study of sociology is greater especially in underdeveloped countries. Sociologists have now drawn the attention of economists regarding the social factors that have contributed to the economic...
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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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...Modernization is the way culture and society manifests itself through environmental, social, economic, and political changes for the good of the masses. Modernization is a worldwide movement; some of these manifestations have been positive, and indeed, progressive while other “advances” have been harmful and destructive. This paper will explore the consequences and trends of modernization, several different theories of modernization, and what possibilities it has for the future. Modernization is characterized by four key elements, which are committees becoming smaller in exchange for larger urban developments (cities), and the desire for individualized choice and the development of diversified societies. Modernization has been transforming society for thousands of years, developing ideas to help people with daily task to better that person’s life. This, of course, was the purpose of the industrial revolution during the late 1700s, (Macionis, p. 485). This industrialization period, which began in England and the United Kingdom, led to the extensive growth of Europe’s ability to produce. There were significant population growth in urban areas and increased earning potential for limited and unskilled laborers. This period was also marked with poor living conditions, limited changes for education, and little regulation for child labor. The highs and lows that coincide with events of the industrial revolution are often seen when discussing modernization. The good of the industrial...
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...The major assumptions of the modernization theory of development basically are: Modernization is a phased process;Modernization is a homogenizing process, in this sense, we can say that modernization produces tendencies toward convergence among societies, for example, as time goes on, they and we will increasingly resemble one another because the patterns of modernization are such that the more highly modernized societies become, the more they resemble one another. Modernization is a europeanization or americanization process; in the modernization literature, there is an attitude of complacency toward Western Europe and the United States. These nations are viewed as having unmatched economic prosperity and democratic stability (Tipps: 1976, 14). In addition, modernization is an irreversible process, once started modernization cannot be stopped. In other words, once third world countries come into contact with the West, they will not be able to resist the impetus toward modernization. Modernization is a progressive process which in the long run is not only inevitable but desirable. According to Coleman, modernized political systems have a higher capacity to deal with the function of national identity, legitimacy, penetration, participation, and distribution than traditional political systems. Finally, modernization is a lengthy process. It is an evolutionary change, not a revolutionary one. It will take generations or even centuries to complete, and its profound...
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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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...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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...Abstract Over the past hundreds of years our world went through many social and economical changes. After the birth of the industrialized society, our world economical growth was fast. Many scholars and researchers have been trying to understand why the developing nations are still under developed. The modernization and Dependency theories will explain some of our world socio-economic differences between the developing and developed countries. This essay discussed about the major differences between Modernization and Dependency theories, and their impact on the developing nations. Modernization Theory A theory designed to explain the process of modernizing societies. The theory considers the internal factors of development of any country, based on the installation, that the "traditional" countries may be involved in the development the same way as are the developed countries. According to Gavrov (2005), modernization theory endeavors to recognize the social variables, which add to social development and expansion of society, and will attempt to elucidate the procedure of social development. At the same time Gavrov (2005) stated that none of the scientists does not deny the process of modernization of society (the transition from traditional to industrial society), the theory itself has undergone considerable criticism from both Marxists and the representatives of free-market ideas, and supporters of the theory depend on the reason that is a simplified representation of...
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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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...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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...Phenomenally, development is the end result of the interactions between various physical, technological, economic, social, cultural and political institutional factors (Singh, 1999). The thrust of this paper is however, not on definition of terms but a chronicle of the modernization theory, its basic tenants and its critical appreciation in the development context of the third world countries. In development discourse the modernization movement of the 1950s and 1960s is an economic theory that is rooted in capitalism. The concept of modernization incorporates the full spectrum of the transition and drastic transformation that a traditional society has to undergo in order to become modern (Hussain et al., 1981). Modernization is about Africa following the developmental footsteps of Europe. According to modernity, policies intended to raise the standard of living of the poor often consist of disseminating knowledge and information about more efficient techniques of production. The modernization theory assumes a total change of policies intended to raise the standard of living of the poor often consist of disseminating knowledge and information about more efficient techniques of production. For instance , the agriculture modernization process involves encouraging farmers to try new crops, new production methods and new marketing skills (Ellis and Biggs, 2001). In general, modernization led to the...
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...Ccs002 Also Modernization) is a concept in the sphere of social sciences that refers to process in which society goes through industrialization, urbanization and other social changes that completely transforms the lives of individuals. The concept of modernization comes from a view of societies as having a standard evolutionary pattern, as described in the social evolutionism theories. According to this each society would evolve inexorably from barbarism to ever greater levels of development and civilization. The more modern states would be wealthier and more powerful, and their citizens freer and having a higher standard of living. This was the standard view in the social sciences for many decades with its foremost advocate being Talcott Parsons. This theory stressed the importance of societies being open to change and saw reactionary forces as restricting development. Maintaining tradition for tradition's sake was thought to be harmful to progress and development. This approach has been heavily criticized, mainly because it conflated modernization with Westernization. In this model, the modernization of a society required the destruction of the indigenous culture and its replacement by a more Westernized one. Technically modernity simply refers to the present, and any society still in existence is therefore modern. Proponents of modernization typically view only Western society as being truly modern arguing that others are primitive or unevolved by comparison. This view...
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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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