SOC/120: The Future Of Modernization
The Future of Modernization Paper
SOC/120
Norman Ames
Modernization is something we have hall been through. Modernization is the process of social change begun by industrialization (Macionis, 2011). Modernization is a way for things to move up. With new technology always coming we have to learn these things to keep up with times. Modernization is the key to keep with the new trends of today. Countries all over the world are changing. Modernization makes everything easier, such as communication, travel, and selling items. As with everything in the world some believe there are negative and positive effects of modernization. The constant evolution of personal choices, social diversity and awareness can be perceived as progressive in nature. Modernization is the process in which social and economic change is realized through industrial revolution, urbanization and other social changes (Macionis, 2011). Modernization promotes individualism over the unity of traditional communities and encourages rationality, as opposed to traditional beliefs. The Industrial Revolution is probably the largest single example of change and modernization in the modern age. Lives were changed and behavior patterns were permanently altered for the sake of technological advancement. Wage earning replaced self-sufficiency as …show more content…
agricultural revolution took a back seat. The common laborer experienced both domestic and economic hardships as a result. Social change was achieved the expense of these early industrial laborers and the hardships they endured. According to our reading I believe the theorist that best reflects my opinion on modernization is Max Weber.
Weber believed that modernity was simply replacing traditional worldview with a more rational view (Macionis, 2011). Weber also believed “preindustrial societies, tradition acts as a constant brake on social change. To traditional people, “truth” is roughly the see as “what has always been”. To modern people, however “truth” is the result of rational calculation because they value efficiency and have little reverence for the past, modern people adopt social patterns that allow them to achieve their goals ( Macionis,
2011).” I absolutely agree with the fact that people adapt to social patterns in hopes to achieve their goals in life. I’m sure we have all been told at one time or another if we wanted all these expensive things we needed to marry someone rich because it would give us more opportunities. Another example is when a parent tells a child the need to earn scholarships if they want to go to college. So in order for that to happen usually the child joins school clubs or sports. Weber also mentioned the world as “disenchanted”. I also agree with this because with technology going the way it is “natural” things will never be used. Look at the way things used to be. Don’t get me wrong technology is great but what will happen further down the line. It’s nice to keep some traditional measures around. I believe that modernization will likely continue in the U.S. and will continue to be a worldwide trend. The one topic that sticks in my head is health. Back in time there wasn’t as many cures as there is now. Now with technology the way it is we are able to put things together to find a cure. The downside to health is more and more and more people are becoming obese and not doing and psychical activity (Steegmann, 1997). The US will always be the one to lead others in modernization. Although the US is on top of the list not far behind is Japan. We are always coming up with new and improved developments. Natural resources such as wood, water and oil are often processed in modernized society, and skyscrapers and factories begin to transform the landscape. Environmental problems, such as climate change, are believed to be the result of industrial development and production. However, in many poorer countries, the discovery of oil and the adoption of new technologies are welcomed for the financial opportunities it presents. The problem with technology is the question if one day there will be no jobs available to the public. Think about it. With the way technology is today how long until robots start doing our job? As more efficient technology is being developed, some form of modernization is likely to continue in the United States. Modernization has had the consequences of dehumanizing society by weakening tradition through providing more choices, cultural diversity, new ideas, and impersonally isolated social interactions characteristic of individualism (Macionis, 20011). Though “increased wealth, development of citizenship, expansion of opportunities and autonomy are some of the aspects of successful modernization” (Bulmahn, 2000, p. 397), these processes of transformation ultimately leave people feeling more alone, insecure, and dejected. With modern societies focus on the diminishing condition of the environment, it is not difficult to understand why some theorists claim that “modernization will lead industry to become more ecologically rational, that is, to weigh the costs and benefits of ecological disruption and take steps to minimize environmental externalities, just as modernization also drives industry to be more economically rational” (York, Rosa, & Dietz, 2003, p. 285). To be successful, the processes of future modernization must consider the extinction of natural resources, the harmful environmental effects from industrialization, and the impersonality of individualism developed from past modernization. Although I think modernization is great because of all the advancements we now have. To look back on how things use to be before cell phones, cars, and medical enhancements. To think how far we have come in such a short period of time. However with the positive some things are a bit scary. As mentioned with the population the way its growing things seem to be overwhelming. The thing that scares me is the whole job thing. It just really makes me wonder how long until there won’t be workers anymore.
References
Steegmann, T. A. (1997). The Health Consequences of "Modernization": Evidence from Circumpolar Peoples [University of Phoenix Custom Edition eBook]. : Blackwell Publishing Ltd.. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, website.
York, R., Rosa, E., & Dietz, T. (2003). FOOTPRINTS ON THE EARTH: THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF MODERNITY. American
Macionis, J. J. (2006). Society: The basics (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Bulmahn, T. (2000). Modernity and Happiness – The Case of Germany. Kluwer Academic Publishing. Retrieved from SocINDEX with Full Text database
SOC/120
Norman Ames
Modernization is something we have hall been through. Modernization is the process of social change begun by industrialization (Macionis, 2011). Modernization is a way for things to move up. With new technology always coming we have to learn these things to keep up with times. Modernization is the key to keep with the new trends of today. Countries all over the world are changing. Modernization makes everything easier, such as communication, travel, and selling items. As with everything in the world some believe there are negative and positive effects of modernization. The constant evolution of personal choices, social diversity and awareness can be perceived as progressive in nature. Modernization is the process in which social and economic change is realized through industrial revolution, urbanization and other social changes (Macionis, 2011). Modernization promotes individualism over the unity of traditional communities and encourages rationality, as opposed to traditional beliefs. The Industrial Revolution is probably the largest single example of change and modernization in the modern age. Lives were changed and behavior patterns were permanently altered for the sake of technological advancement. Wage earning replaced self-sufficiency as …show more content…
agricultural revolution took a back seat. The common laborer experienced both domestic and economic hardships as a result. Social change was achieved the expense of these early industrial laborers and the hardships they endured. According to our reading I believe the theorist that best reflects my opinion on modernization is Max Weber.
Weber believed that modernity was simply replacing traditional worldview with a more rational view (Macionis, 2011). Weber also believed “preindustrial societies, tradition acts as a constant brake on social change. To traditional people, “truth” is roughly the see as “what has always been”. To modern people, however “truth” is the result of rational calculation because they value efficiency and have little reverence for the past, modern people adopt social patterns that allow them to achieve their goals ( Macionis,
2011).” I absolutely agree with the fact that people adapt to social patterns in hopes to achieve their goals in life. I’m sure we have all been told at one time or another if we wanted all these expensive things we needed to marry someone rich because it would give us more opportunities. Another example is when a parent tells a child the need to earn scholarships if they want to go to college. So in order for that to happen usually the child joins school clubs or sports. Weber also mentioned the world as “disenchanted”. I also agree with this because with technology going the way it is “natural” things will never be used. Look at the way things used to be. Don’t get me wrong technology is great but what will happen further down the line. It’s nice to keep some traditional measures around. I believe that modernization will likely continue in the U.S. and will continue to be a worldwide trend. The one topic that sticks in my head is health. Back in time there wasn’t as many cures as there is now. Now with technology the way it is we are able to put things together to find a cure. The downside to health is more and more and more people are becoming obese and not doing and psychical activity (Steegmann, 1997). The US will always be the one to lead others in modernization. Although the US is on top of the list not far behind is Japan. We are always coming up with new and improved developments. Natural resources such as wood, water and oil are often processed in modernized society, and skyscrapers and factories begin to transform the landscape. Environmental problems, such as climate change, are believed to be the result of industrial development and production. However, in many poorer countries, the discovery of oil and the adoption of new technologies are welcomed for the financial opportunities it presents. The problem with technology is the question if one day there will be no jobs available to the public. Think about it. With the way technology is today how long until robots start doing our job? As more efficient technology is being developed, some form of modernization is likely to continue in the United States. Modernization has had the consequences of dehumanizing society by weakening tradition through providing more choices, cultural diversity, new ideas, and impersonally isolated social interactions characteristic of individualism (Macionis, 20011). Though “increased wealth, development of citizenship, expansion of opportunities and autonomy are some of the aspects of successful modernization” (Bulmahn, 2000, p. 397), these processes of transformation ultimately leave people feeling more alone, insecure, and dejected. With modern societies focus on the diminishing condition of the environment, it is not difficult to understand why some theorists claim that “modernization will lead industry to become more ecologically rational, that is, to weigh the costs and benefits of ecological disruption and take steps to minimize environmental externalities, just as modernization also drives industry to be more economically rational” (York, Rosa, & Dietz, 2003, p. 285). To be successful, the processes of future modernization must consider the extinction of natural resources, the harmful environmental effects from industrialization, and the impersonality of individualism developed from past modernization. Although I think modernization is great because of all the advancements we now have. To look back on how things use to be before cell phones, cars, and medical enhancements. To think how far we have come in such a short period of time. However with the positive some things are a bit scary. As mentioned with the population the way its growing things seem to be overwhelming. The thing that scares me is the whole job thing. It just really makes me wonder how long until there won’t be workers anymore.
References
Steegmann, T. A. (1997). The Health Consequences of "Modernization": Evidence from Circumpolar Peoples [University of Phoenix Custom Edition eBook]. : Blackwell Publishing Ltd.. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, website.
York, R., Rosa, E., & Dietz, T. (2003). FOOTPRINTS ON THE EARTH: THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF MODERNITY. American
Macionis, J. J. (2006). Society: The basics (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Bulmahn, T. (2000). Modernity and Happiness – The Case of Germany. Kluwer Academic Publishing. Retrieved from SocINDEX with Full Text database