Future of Modernization Paper

Future of Modernization Paper

Week 8 – Assignment: Future of Modernization Paper

Axia College of University of Phoenix

SOC 120 – Sociology

October 07, 2008

The theory of modernization was developed primarily in the U.S. during the mid 1950’s. So, what is the theory of modernization? It is seen as a process leading towards greater equality in the social, political and cultural arenas, which distinguished modern from traditional societies (Smyth, 2007). However, some modern theorist had a different view of modernization. Ferdinand Tönnies for example viewed modernization as the progressive loss of human community. Tönnies saw that the Industrial Revolution weakened the social fabric of family and tradition by introducing a businesslike emphasis on facts, efficiency and money (Macionis, 2006).

Today, modern theorists contend that there are fundamental differences between modern and traditional societies that involve changes in political, economic and social structure. So, how does modernization manifest itself in U.S. society? We experience change as either progress or transition, or a proliferation of alternatives either in regard to lifestyle or historical possibilities; future directed behavior versus tradition (Hooker, 1996). Also, modernization attempts to improve social variables which contribute to the social progress and development of certain societies.

Since early theories of modernization the basic principles and ideas were that people themselves could develop and change their society. So, is modernization likely to continue in the U.S.? How can it not. Modernization theory not only stresses the process of change, but also the response to that change. Furthermore, it encourages technological processes to help give people further control over their environments, technological progress as well as social progress. It also looks at internal dynamics referring to social and cultural structure and the adaptation of new technologies (Tipps,...