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Modernization theory and relevance
Modernization theory and relevance
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To explore issues of modernization theory, the essay will first attempt to highlight the meaning of the term modernization from different perspectives, which is then followed by a discussion of the context in which the theory developed. The main aim of this paper is discuss the limitations of modernization theory. Then it will focus on some basic objections embedded in the theory that offer critiques from many development studies scholars. This will be done by focusing on the key points which are social, and cultural significances. The last step of the essay will be the idea of the writer about modernization theory. Modernization theory is a description and explanation of the processes of transformation from traditional or underdeveloped societies …show more content…
By imposing new rules to societies that means they have to leave their tradition and adapt the new rules that has imposed by modernization theory, for example this theory suggested that, people may still have their traditions but they are not slaves to them and will challenge any that seem unnecessary or get in the way of continued cultural progress( that is they do not suffer from rationalism), and kinship has a very much less important role in all areas of society (even within the family) because of the for geographical and social mobility which weakens family ties, also one’s position in the economy, polity and so on., is earned through hard work and high achievement- motivation and not determine by the kinship. (Bauer 1976 …show more content…
Even today, a host of peoples, including the Islamic people of Iran and the deeply traditional Semai of Malaysia, have battled against technological advances that threaten their strong family relationships, customs and religious. There for it is useful for societies to stay natural, know each other. One may suggest that if world can go back to ancient and practice butter trade as it was done, and make societies move slowly, together and members of societies rely to what they for
One example was the forced European ideals on male hierarchical structuring as it disrupted the inner workings of tribal council. Traditionally, the clan mother appointed male chiefs, “[serving] at her pleasure.” The clan mothers’ ratification was necessary on all council decisions as well. (p. 32) Shaking the community basic structures would undoubtedly affect all other aspects within their culture as well.
The world is filled with many different types of societies and cultures. This is due to the fact that many people share dissimilar beliefs and ideas, as well as diverse ways of life. People lived under different circumstances and stipulations, therefore forming cultures and societies with ideas they formulated, themselves. These two factors, society and culture, are what motivate people to execute the things that they do. Many times, however, society and culture can cause downgrading effects to an assemblage if ever it is corrupt or prejudiced. Society and culture not only influences the emotions individuals have toward things like age differences, religion, power, and equality but also the actions they perform as a result.
...le for sale on the internet. In the case of Shea butter production, division of labor is a crucial factor. The Shea tree is indigenous to West Africa making myself and other persons that use the product reliant on the African workers to produce it. For any county to be fully self-sufficient, or to not trade with other countries, it would possibly be deprived of such items that can not be grown there. Therefore, specialization is a factor that keeps the trade cycle moving, one country creates a product and is able to trade it with others.
The Progressive Era was the period of reform and social activism from 1895 to 1920, it was an attempt to get rid of all the ills that had penetrated American society during the Gilded age. The Progressives were people who tried to make the life of the average American better, they believed in the ability of humans to create a better world. Industrial capitalism, burgeoning cities, the influx of immigrants, and the depression of the 1890s were some of the sources of the reform impulse of the era. The Progressives were primarily middle class citizens such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, businessmen, etc. Many of them were part of the Republican and Democratic parties. They were greatly influenced by the Europeans.The Progressives believed
Society is ever changing and the people are just the same. Throughout history, it is shown that people change and mold to their surroundings. But when a deeper look is taken it is revealed that there is a minority that is unwilling or unable to fit these standards as most people do. These people tend to be forced into seclusion or made to fend for themselves. This is shown through the colonization of America and up into more recent times. The Native Americans are the first to make a life on this land, and when the English set up a new society, the Natives are forced onto smaller and smaller plots of land until forced to conform or to live on a reservation. The idea of this societal conformity is shown in “What You Pawn I Will Redeem” by Sherman Alexie, a short story author. Society's pressure to improve an individual living differently is hurting more than it is helping.
...ng to hunt the deviations and fail, the decisions the society make are calamitous to them and the ones they love and the norms try to eliminate change, but instead they eliminate themselves and their society.
In the mid-nineteenth century, the Tokugawa system that had successfully reigned over Japan for over two hundred years was beginning to feel the internal and external pressures of a modern world; ultimately calling for a renewal of the world order (Yonaoshi) (Wilson, 59). That calling came when a series of black ships led by Commodore Perry landed off the port of Uraga on July 8, 1853. After over two centuries of seclusion, Japan was being pried open by Western forces, who though were in search of setting up trading posts in Japan, indirectly served as the catalyst that set off the series of events that helped Japan transcend its fixed and permanent system, into the modern era that was characterized by rapid political, economic, social and cultural change (Wilson, 52-53).
Since the beginning of time, mankind began to expand on traditions of life out of which family and societal life surfaced. These traditions of life have been passed down over generations and centuries. Some of these kin and their interdependent ways of life have been upheld among particular people, and are known to contain key pieces of some civilizations.
Modernity. A major sociological concept that explains social change would be modernity. Modernity explains the changes in social patterns that result in a nation industrializing (Macionis, Jansson, & Benoit, 2009). Since the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, the Afghan people have been struggling to make social improvements to their living conditions (Kowaluk & Staples, 2008). The current Afghan government held by Hamid Karzai has been generally unpopular because the changes to living conditions have been very slow (Kow...
The next theory is the modernization theory, which is the basis for the rest of the essay. The modernization theory is that since the West led the push to modernization, many components of Western culture are embedded in modern society. “As the first civilization to modernize, the West is the first to have fully acquired the culture of modernity.” This theory also heavily relies on the idea that in order to modernize, the country must Westernize and lose its traditional culture. It is then proposed that although in present day many societies are modern, it does not mean they are all the same.
Modernisation theory has been a dominant theory since post-World War II (McMichael 2012:5) to describe development and social change. It is structured and outlined through five different stages of 'development ladder' proposed by Walt Whitman Rostow in The Stages of Economic Growth: A Non-Communist Manifesto. (1961:4) The first premise of modernisation theory reflected by 'development ladder' is that development happened in a sequential process through stage by stage while the second premise underpinned by ‘development ladder’ is conformity towards West's values and norms. However, these two premises are found to be problematic as they are neglecting the differences in societies and assuming that the 'development ladder' system is applicable to all societies. Thus, Rostow's 'development ladder' is highly challenged as it gathers a lot of critiques.
Populism refers to the political philosophy that pits the downtrodden masses against the apathetic ruling elite. La Moral refers to the conformity to the code of conduct set by employers. Modernization is the transformation from a traditional, rural society that primarily relies on agriculture to an urban, industrialized society. The emergence and flourishing of modern society has been inextricably linked with the development of industries, infrastructure and cities. Sociologists and political analysts agree that “urbanization and industrialization were the main causes of populism in Latin America.” (Conniff and Roberts 6)
Through this perspective a capitalist society as viewed as modern due to their rapid technological and economic development. Traditional Societies are viewed as underdeveloped due to their inability to keep up with the growing technological advances. The latter countries need to adopt Western technologies, Institutions, and belief systems to improve their economic conditions. There are four main components to modernization theory.
In the end, what we learn from this article is very realistic and logical. Furthermore, it is supported with real-life examples. Culture is ordinary, each individual has it, and it is both individual and common. It’s a result of both traditional values and an individual effort. Therefore, trying to fit it into certain sharp-edged models would be wrong.
Modernization is the term used for the transition from the traditional society of the past to modern society as it is found today in the West. Modernization theory refers to a variety of non-Marxist perspectives which have been put forward to explain the development or underdevelopment of countries. Modernization theory is a model of economic and social development that explains global inequality in terms of differing levels of technological development among societies. Modernization theory presents the idea that by introducing modern methods in "technology, agricultural production for trade, and industrialization dependent on a mobile labour force," the underdeveloped countries will experience a strengthening in their economies. Modernization theory offers an account of the common features of the process of development drawing on the analysis of Durkheim and Weber. Development implies the bridging of these gaps by an imitative process, occurring in stages, such that traditional sectors and/or countries gradually assume the qualities of the 'modern' western countries. There are many proponents of Modernization Theory, such as, Walter Rostow, W.A. Lewis, Talcott Parsons, and Daniel Lerner, however the theory has it's roots in the ideas of Durkheim and Weber. The proponents of the modernization theory all felt that the rest of the world needed to look to the Western model of modernity and pattern their society like the West in order to progress. Modernization theory was developed as an alternative to the Marxist account of social development. Modernization Theory Divides the World into two kinds of societies: "modern" and "traditional." Traditional societies are backward looking : Dominated by religious a...