There are four key concepts which help explain how modernization manifests; first, the decline of small, traditional communities, second, the increase of social diversity, third, the expansion of personal choice and lastly, a growing awareness of time give an overview of changes in the past century (Macionis, 2006).
The decline of the small, traditional community involves the weakening of the isolated rural communities through the use of cars, telephones, computers and television. These small communities give a person a sense of belonging along with a strong sense of identity that disappears as modernization becomes the norm. This loss of tradition affects individuals and families that is expressed in long distance relationships employing the use of the modern conveniences.
The increase of social diversity discourages actual diversity and forces families and individuals to conform to society and modern ways of thinking. When different cultures, ethnicity, beliefs and behaviors begin to blend together, individual choices are lost and the world’s view which is less traditional gains a foothold. Culture, ethnicities, and beliefs are lost as they are absorbed into society and the original meaning is lost in the translation from one generation to the next.
Traditional views believe that lives are shaped by specific forces such as God and are beyond human control. As the traditional belief weakens, people begin to believe that there are options and choices and that he or she control instead of God or fate. This individualization shows that people have open-minds and are
References: Kreis, S. (2000). Lectures on modern european intellectual history. Burlington, MA. Retrieved on June 15, 2008 from website http://www.historyguide.org and Readyhosting.com Macionis, J. J. (2006). Society: The basics (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Wasserman, L. (1962). Book reviews: Philosophy and myth in Karl Marx. Political Research Quarterly, 15, Retrieved June 16, 2008, from http://prq.sagepub.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/cgi/reprint/15/2/405