Modernization

Modernization serves to explain how the industrial societies of North America and Western Europe came into being. As a forming theory, modernization accounts for most of the changes that have occurred in the last few decades. Modernization is defined by Wilbert E. Moore as “the ‘total’ transformation of a traditional or pre-modern society into the types of technology and associated social organization that characterize the ‘advanced’, economically prosperous, and relatively politically stable nations of the Western World.” Modernization presents the basis for sociological theory of development.

The impacts of modernization can be seen in all spheres of current life. Developed countries have one characteristic in common, they are “Modernized”. Modernization has become synonymous with developed. The specific advancements that have brought about this change can are numerous, but the precise components of modernization include secularization, media expansion, industrialization, urbanization, and increasing literacy and education. Modernization has been characterized by a shift from the use of human or animals in labor, to inanimate power, from tools to machines as the basis of production for the growth of wealth. Technical diversification and specialization has resulted in a highly skilled, efficient and specialized labor force (He 222). With the division of labor, the production process has become extremely efficient in its operations.

 Socially, the traditional role of family and other principal groups having diffused roles have been displaced or complemented in modern society by deliberately organized secondary relations that have more specific functions. Relationships are no longer based on traditional or loyalty, and are instead based on competence and rational exchange. The principal family unit is no longer extended but nuclear. Extended families served to provide labor, majorly for farming, but with advances in technology, a smaller workforce can achieve similar results. Gender roles are less clearly defined, as women who were traditionally viewed as home makers actively pursue careers. Men on the other hand are increasingly staying at home and taking care of their families. Modernity also allows for a greater mobility in careers, as one can easily change to a career that is more suited to them.

The growth in science and advancements in technology have led to the availability of much more information on the causes of events and natural phenomena. The discovery of disease causing micro-organisms and predictability of natural calamities has removed the preconceptions of a divine cause to this, and other similar occurrences. As a result, the society has become increasing secularized (Andersen and Taylor 472) Advances in science and technology have also led to an increase in the quality of healthcare, and as a result, longer life expectancy. Along with these, modern society has been characterized by advances in mass communication. Media expansion has led to the prevalence of popular ideas as they have attained a wider reach. Media is also responsible for the democratization of governance as people have better access to information and are more in tune with their rights.

To conclude, modernization accounts for the improvements in the quality of life we now enjoy. Through science and technology, one has access to improved healthcare, and hence longer life expectancy. Similarly, secularity has become increasingly common while education has vastly improved. Modernization has also marked a period of reversal in gender roles, as men and women are equally likely to be the breadwinners in the family. In addition to this, modernity has assured greater division of labor and specialization which has streamlined the production process. A higher mobility in careers can also be seen.

Works Cited

Andersen, Margaret L, and Howard Francis Taylor. Sociology. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006. Print.

He, Chuanqi. Modernization Science. Berlin: Springer, 2012. Print.