Future of Modernization

Modernization is the product of the Industrial Revolution by creating new social patterns. Peter Berger (1977) identified four major characteristics of modernization: (1) the decline of small, traditional communities; (2) the expansion of personal choice, increasing social diversity, and (3) orientation toward the future and a growing awareness of time (Macionis, 2006). Declining population of small towns also leads to the decline in morals, values, and a sense of purpose. The breakdown of small towns leads to changes in traditions and values; the exposure to new ways of life, values, and traditions come as social interaction and diversity increases.

Modernization in the United States

The Industrial Revolution opened doors to individuality and personal choice. “In preindustrial societies, strong family ties and powerful religious beliefs enforce conformity and discourage diversity and change” (Macionis, 2006, p. 456). Growth of cities promotes social diversity and individual choice of behavior and beliefs. Pre-modern people focus on the past traditions and beliefs; people in modern societies think more about the future with inventions and discoveries. People look for a purpose in life; when society continues to change, people can easily lose focus on what is important. Morals and values that once held families together can become skewed and create conflict.

Consequences of Modernization

According to Macionis (2006), Mass-society and class-society looks at the patterns of change since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Class-society theory focuses on social inequality; “mass society theory suggests that extensive social diversity, isolation, and rapid social change make it difficult for many people to establish any coherent identity at all (Wheelis, 1958; Berger, Berger, & Kellner, 1974)” (Macionis, 2006, p. 463). Social character is shaped by family, tradition, and common beliefs. Modernization brings change to personality, character, tradition, lifestyle, and values. Modern society is diverse and changing rapidly, but people who are flexible and adapt to other traditions and beliefs are often viewed as deviant. The ability to interchange between cultures and traditions can lead to identity crisis.

Herbert Marcuse (1964) discusses the class-society theory when he condemns “modern society as irrational for failing to meet the needs of so many people…and poverty remains the daily plight of more than 1 billion people” (Macionis, 2006, p. 464). Some communities have no running water, insufficient food sources, and limited housing options but they have a connection to the internet and to thousands of people in modern society. Modernization brings technology to other continents who do not have their basic needs met.

Perceptions of Modernization

Ferdinand Tonnies (1963, orig. 1887) speaks about the loss of the community, stating tension and conflict divide the “hard-working, slow-moving way of life.” Modernization takes away from the community and trust becomes difficult as more people move away from families and into larger cities near strangers. Modern society makes it difficult to personally connect with families. Teenagers walk around with ipods, and other electronic devices, isolating themselves from family and close connections. Although connections can be made worldwide, from Africa to America, these connections remain less influential than those we are surrounded with.

Worldwide Trends in Modernization

Referring to the Chinese and modernization, Peng (2009, p. 3) stated, “Numerous social problems and social conflicts” begin to emerge as modernization took place, puzzling the majority of the community. Societies are losing their children to modernization; becoming impersonal, uncertain about the future and the existence of God. Advanced industrial societies create “negative implications for ecosystems and human health (Davidson and Bogdan, 2010, p. 4). Modernization has both good and bad consequences on society and the world. A balance in the world must take place for modernization to continue into the future.

Emile Durkheim (1964, orig. 1893) believes modernization was a division of labor and a breakdown in the family. Preindustrial societies are held together by shared moral values. Much of society has a wide variety of beliefs and moral values, which makes it difficult to stay together. Durkeim also believes the differences are what keep people bonded together in modern times. Bonding together over differences can bring people closer together on other values and traditions. Remembering the past of our heritage with new social connections is sharing our traditions so they can be passed on throughout history.

The Continuation of Modernization

Modernization will continue in America and throughout the world. According to Ibrahim, Abbssi, Adnan, and Bhatti (2011, para. 1), “People are going to accept modernization because progress is both necessary and beneficial to society and the individual.” However, some societies and cultures may change as modernization continues to take place. Some societies will lose their heritage, often willing to sacrifice traditions and lifestyle choices for new ones. As more cultures expose their traditions and lifestyles, people are willing to adapt and accept these old cultures as new. Not all modernization will be beneficial.

According to Macionis (2006, p. 458), “Modern societies might become so diverse that they would collapse…providing little moral guidance to individuals.” Modern society focuses more attention on own needs rather than placing the focus on others’ needs. Modern society will continue to change, evolve, and grow. However, the focus on globalization and modernization needs to change shape; look toward the future without forgetting about the past traditions and how we arrived at where we are. Technology, Entertainment, and Design (TED) trends are taking place in modernization that not only affect technology but society as well.

The Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) event is known worldwide, which creates new ideas and programs that contribute to global modernization. The event is for people who have ideas on change, to come together and share these ideas with others who are willing to help make changes to society. The event focuses on technology, entertainment, design, business, science, and global issues. Leslie Dobson, spoke at the TED convention about the role of media and journalism in other countries. Americans need to be aware of the fuzzy boundaries that exist when modernization takes place in other areas and how we portray people.

Social change must reflect compassion, understanding, and reassessment of priorities. Education for every child is necessary and important; teaching tolerance, traditions, values, and beliefs as well as basic knowledge. Our children need to learn about exploration, colonization, and make amazing breakthroughs in technology and the ecosystem. The current trends in modernization can influence the next generations by honoring heritage, helping others, and creating close communities that support their beliefs.

References

Boudon, R. (2011). Modernization, Rationalization and Globalization. Protosociology: An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research. ISSN: 14344319

Davidson, D.J., Bogdan, E. (2010, Nov.). Reflective Modernization at the Source. Canadian Review of Sociology. DOI: 10.1111/j1755-618X.2010.01242.x

Ibrahim, S., Abbasi, M.H., Adnan, A., and Bhatti, W. (2011, July). Cognition and Impact of Modernization in Changing Normative Structure of Family System (A Case Study). International Journal of Business & Social Science. ISSN: 22191933

Macionis, J.J. (2006). Society: The Basics (8th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.

Peng, Y. (2009, Fall). Modernization Theory. Chinese Studies in History. ISSN: 00094633

TED Conferences, LLC. (2011). Leslie Dodson: Don’t misrepresent Africa. Retrieved December 3, 2011 from ted.com