...Modernization theory is a description and explanation of the processes of transformation from traditional or underdeveloped societies to modern societies. In the words of one of the major proponents, "Historically, modernization is the process of change towards those types of social, economic, and political systems that have developed in Western Europe and North America from the seventeenth century to the nineteenth and have then spread to other European countries and in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to the South American, Asian, and African continents Modernization theory has been one of the major perspectives in the sociology of national development and underdevelopment since the 1950s.Many thinkers wrote about the modernization theory such as David Harrison,Rostow and Daniel lerner.One of the key thinkers in twentieth century Development Studies was W.W. Rostow, an American economist and government official. Prior to Rostow, approaches to development had been based on the assumption that "modernization" was characterized by the Western world (wealthier, more powerful countries at the time), which were able to advance from the initial stages of underdevelopment. Accordingly, other countries should model themselves after the West, aspiring to a "modern" state of capitalism and a liberal democracy. Using these ideas, Rostow penned his classicStages of Economic Growth in 1960, which presented five steps through which all countries must pass to become developed: 1) traditional...
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...Examine the debates between modernization and dependency theory. Which one is more compelling? This essay will analyze the definitions of modernisation and dependency theory, the similarities and differences between them and it will evaluate which one is more convincing. Modernization is an imposing theory around many different disciplines for the reason that it attempts to explain how society develops and what variables are involved in the development and how society react to these changes looking at internal factors such as social and cultural structures. As Diana Kendall mentions, "Urbanization accompanied modernization and the rapid process of industrialization." (Kendall 2007) Modernization theory has developed in three different parts; the first part appeared in the 1950s and 1960s, when the dominance of materialistic western, individualist culture and individual achievement became the influential and dominant way of life during this period of time. The second part of modernization theory is part of the “idea of progress” that was accepted in the 1980s with the thought of people themselves could develop and transform their society. The last part of modernization theory takes place in the 1990s and it tries a more neutral approach without being in favor or against western modernization. Rather it attempts to expose the disagreements in the modernization process and to explain the consequences of modernity for individuals in contemporary society (Giddens, 1991a, 1991b)...
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...Week 3: Dependency and Modernization Theory Key Concepts: Political decay/ failed state: Definition: A failed state is a state perceived as having failed at some of the basic conditions and responsibilities of a sovereign government. In order to make this definition more precise, the following attributes, proposed by the Fund for Peace, are often used to characterize a failed state: * loss of control of its territory, or of the monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force therein, * erosion of legitimate authority to make collective decisions, * an inability to provide public services, and * an inability to interact with other states as a full member of the international community. * Often a failed state is characterized by social, political, and/or economic failure. Common characteristics of a failing state include a central government so weak or ineffective that it has little practical control over much of its territory; non-provision of public services; widespread corruption and criminality; refugees and involuntary movement of populations; and sharp economic decline. The level of government control required to avoid being considered a failed state varies considerably amongst authorities. Furthermore, the declaration that a state has "failed" is generally controversial and, when made authoritatively, may carry significant geopolitical consequences. Example: Modernization theory Discussion Question:In what ways has the first world...
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...CASE NO. 1 NOGO RAILROAD NOGO RAILROAD CASE ANALYSIS FORM I. PROBLEM Dave Keller, the new Communications Manager, has seek for external perspective on how to address the challenges in Nogo Railroad. After hearing the facts from Dave, we have identified the problem is “How will Nogo Railroad effectively address its employees’ concerns that will bring about a reduction in labor expense?” There are Macro and Micro Level problems to be considered. When these are effectively addressed, Nogo Railroad may be able to resolve problem mentioned earlier. A. MACRO 1. Innovation and Modernization. The company lacks the desire to innovate and modernize operations which tolerated inefficient and ineffective processes or practices. It is not a surprise to see Nepotism and Featherbedding. 2. Union Contracts. Poor negotiation of union contracts has left the company with liabilities. Changing the job description to make it relevant to times, is a restricted/limited by these outdated contracts. 3. Culture towards change. Resistance to change is not only prevalent in its employees. This also transcends in management (see problem#1). The leaders should embrace change and support its employees affected by the change. B. MICRO 1. Personal Doubts. The apprehension felt by Dave Keller needs to be address. His concerns towards his promotion and purpose should be resolved by Allan Yates. The new Communications Manager will only be effective if his...
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...Future of Modernizations SOC/120 January 8 2012 Modernization manifests itself in the U.S. In many different ways. The reading suggest Peter Berger defined the key factors of modernizations as being an increase in diversity, a decrease in traditional communities, more awareness to personal choice, and a look towards the future and realization of time. One main key feature in modernization manifesting itself is the fact that most of the population lives in the bigger parts of cities. 80 percent of the population according to population bureau, 2010. Their statistics showed that individuals would much rather live in bigger cities, even after knowing that health care pollution were greater in these places. The studies showed that rural areas can give one a healthier living standard, but people continue to choose to live with consequences that the may be encountered with. I think that people do not even realize the difference between the two, they just find that living in the bigger cities makes their life seem easier. The statistics also showed that the individuals that live in the bigger parts of the cities tend to rely on drugs and alcohol more than the individuals that choose to live in rural areas. I really do not see modernization trends changing anytime soon. Modernization has been happening for many years and has improved individuals life's over a period of time. I think that we have...
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...The major assumptions of the modernization theory of development basically are: Modernization is a phased process;Modernization is a homogenizing process, in this sense, we can say that modernization produces tendencies toward convergence among societies, for example, as time goes on, they and we will increasingly resemble one another because the patterns of modernization are such that the more highly modernized societies become, the more they resemble one another. Modernization is a europeanization or americanization process; in the modernization literature, there is an attitude of complacency toward Western Europe and the United States. These nations are viewed as having unmatched economic prosperity and democratic stability (Tipps: 1976, 14). In addition, modernization is an irreversible process, once started modernization cannot be stopped. In other words, once third world countries come into contact with the West, they will not be able to resist the impetus toward modernization. Modernization is a progressive process which in the long run is not only inevitable but desirable. According to Coleman, modernized political systems have a higher capacity to deal with the function of national identity, legitimacy, penetration, participation, and distribution than traditional political systems. Finally, modernization is a lengthy process. It is an evolutionary change, not a revolutionary one. It will take generations or even centuries to complete, and its profound...
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...This essay is an attempt to explain and discuss the characteristics that define a modernised individual/society in psychological, economic and political aspects. Furthermore, it will give a critique as to whether a school is the most potent force through which values can be cultivated. And finally the conclusion will be made. According to Toulmin (1990), a society is a group of people who live within some type of bounded territory and share a common way of life. This way of life is known as culture, and it includes their beliefs, norms, values, sanctions and customs. While been modernised means to be evolutionary transitioned from a pre-modern or traditional to a modern individual/society. The late concept of modernisation became popular in the 1950s. W.W. Rostow claims that societies have to pass through a linear process in order for them to achieve modernity, just as Europe did. Science and formal education takes a centre stage in the development of an individual/society. The individual is encouraged to come-up with scientific innovations on how best they can keep on developing their life in society, Finn (1993). The ...
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...Analysis on the Business Opportunities Article: A village in a million The article, “A village in a million” written by “The economist” on December 16th 2010, shows a great insight into the Indian culture, highlighting with it the job opportunities that are beginning to arise as the country modernizes and with it how long-held and deeply embedded traditions are on the verge of becoming extinct. Shahabpur is a small village located in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. For centuries defined by its ancient ways and unique and diverse culture it is slowly being modernized. Shahabpur is located very close to the tracks and therefore not far from cities such as Mumbai. As the world progresses at a rapid rate coincidentally so does India. The farming in Shahabpur doesn’t bring in enough income, realising this many fathers send their children to work in factories in bigger cities, such as Mumbai furthermore many fathers are giving up their agricultural ways and moving towards factory work too, bringing in as much as 200rupees a day, twice what they can bring in back home. The business opportunities that arise from this vast movement to industrial work, is the opening of many more stores in Shahabpur bazaar and the increased exchange in money. As money comes in, Shahabpur is growing; three local schools have been set up, with more children being able to attend because of increased financial stability in the family. Parents are now realising the importance of education...
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... Case: Country A “The Agrarian” Sociology has helped us to understand why different groups of the human race act the way they do, as well as introduces us to other cultures, and different backgrounds. The case study gives a good example of the different roles culture plays in the attitudes of the different groups and how everyday lives are affected. When we look at Case Study A, we must first examine the measurements of underdevelopment, socially, economically and politically. We must also know what defines a undeveloped country and its main theories of underdevelopment. These two theories respectively are the modernization theory and the dependency theory. Almost one half of third world families depend on agriculture to feed there families. One billion of the rural poor live in dangerous conditions. A large percent of the population relys on agriculture for its survival. Agrarian reform is what we are dealing with the case study that involves country A. The availability of land and crop prices play a heavy role here. We have to examine land ownership closely. In some countries only the elite own the land. Others may vary. In these countries like country A we have to take a close look at who owns the land. It has been difficult for these countries to reform due to rural class structures and...
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...Ccs002 Also Modernization) is a concept in the sphere of social sciences that refers to process in which society goes through industrialization, urbanization and other social changes that completely transforms the lives of individuals. The concept of modernization comes from a view of societies as having a standard evolutionary pattern, as described in the social evolutionism theories. According to this each society would evolve inexorably from barbarism to ever greater levels of development and civilization. The more modern states would be wealthier and more powerful, and their citizens freer and having a higher standard of living. This was the standard view in the social sciences for many decades with its foremost advocate being Talcott Parsons. This theory stressed the importance of societies being open to change and saw reactionary forces as restricting development. Maintaining tradition for tradition's sake was thought to be harmful to progress and development. This approach has been heavily criticized, mainly because it conflated modernization with Westernization. In this model, the modernization of a society required the destruction of the indigenous culture and its replacement by a more Westernized one. Technically modernity simply refers to the present, and any society still in existence is therefore modern. Proponents of modernization typically view only Western society as being truly modern arguing that others are primitive or unevolved by comparison. This view...
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...Future of Modernization William Watkins SOC / 120 January 22, 2012 Brenda Miller As we begin to ponder the future of modernization, and the possible consequences that are apt to occur, perhaps we should first revisit the definition of modernization. To this end we can start by saying that modernization is thought of as a concept that states that the development of societies can be considered as a standard evolutionary pattern that has a tendency to stimulate growth. It can also be considered as the concept that refers to the process where society goes through several stages, including industrialization, urbanization, and various other social changes, that tend to completely transform the lives of individuals. One must first take into consideration that modernization, taken in-and-of- itself, should not be considered either good or bad. Modernization is not limited to the geographical bounds of the United States but actually affects people worldwide, and has wide ranging effects including politically, socially, economically, and environmentally throughout the entire populated world. Of course, as in most things, there are positive aspects of modernization as well as several consequences. Perhaps it could be posited that Industrialization began the social changes in the United States society that could be referred to as the modernization of the United States. Although there were many changes before industrialization they were perhaps not as wide-ranging or...
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...Modernization is the way culture and society manifests itself through environmental, social, economic, and political changes for the good of the masses. Modernization is a worldwide movement; some of these manifestations have been positive, and indeed, progressive while other “advances” have been harmful and destructive. This paper will explore the consequences and trends of modernization, several different theories of modernization, and what possibilities it has for the future. Modernization is characterized by four key elements, which are committees becoming smaller in exchange for larger urban developments (cities), and the desire for individualized choice and the development of diversified societies. Modernization has been transforming society for thousands of years, developing ideas to help people with daily task to better that person’s life. This, of course, was the purpose of the industrial revolution during the late 1700s, (Macionis, p. 485). This industrialization period, which began in England and the United Kingdom, led to the extensive growth of Europe’s ability to produce. There were significant population growth in urban areas and increased earning potential for limited and unskilled laborers. This period was also marked with poor living conditions, limited changes for education, and little regulation for child labor. The highs and lows that coincide with events of the industrial revolution are often seen when discussing modernization. The good of the industrial...
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...Future of Modernization SOC/120 May 4, 2013 University of Phoenix Future of Modernization Modernization in the United States has four traits which were identified by Peter Berger in 1977. The first trait was the decline of small, isolated communities. Approximately one hundred years ago there were 40% of Americans living in cities. Today, 80% of the population lives in cities. The next trait is the expansion of personal choice. Most people choose their lifestyles instead of allowing others to make that decision for them. The next trait is the rising amount of diversity in the United States. Interracial couples are more accepted now then it was even 20 years ago. The fourth trait is the orientation toward the future and a growing awareness of time. Now people are planning for their future instead of reminiscing on the past. Karl Marx, A revolutionary socialist believes these traits are necessary for capitalism to flourish. “According to Marx, capitalism draws population away from farms and small towns into an ever-expanding market system centered in the cities” (Society: The Basics, Eleventh Edition, by John J. Macionis, Ch 16, pg 489). Many believed Marx’s views on modern capitalist society were negative, but he was positive on creativity, human freedom, and community. I believe modernization will continue in the United States, as our country is always looking for ways to develop new technology to make things in life quicker and more convenient. Fifteen years...
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...The Future of Modernization Shannon Miskimen SOC 120 Instructor Jim Stein The Future of Modernization Modernization is the process of social change begun by industrialization (Macionis 2006). Modernization is ever present in society and has been for many years. It can be seen in the workplace, in schools, and in almost every home all throughout the world. One could say that modernization is the past, present and future of day to day life and of the world. Modernization in U.S. Society Modernization can be seen in U.S. society everywhere one looks. It is seen in homes, schools, families, and business. Modern theorist Ferdinand Tonnies (1855-1937), seen on the left, said that modernization is the progressive loss of Gemeinschaft, also known as human community (Macionis 2006). Tonnies suggested that the Industrial Revolution had weakened family and tradition. The way that he felt family and tradition had been weakened was that the Industrial Revolution had placed a businesslike emphasis on facts, efficiency, and money. (Macionis 2006). Tonnies may have been right. After the Industrial Revolution, the U.S. became impersonal and rootless. People began to associate with each other in a self interest basis. (Macionis 2006). This became the start of change in the U.S. past and would then evolve the future of the U.S. (Image of Ferdinand Tonnies retrieved from http://germanhistorydocs.ghi-dc.org/images/10008882-r%20copy.jpg.) Modernization in the Past Modernization...
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...American Modernization Modernization. This has been a feared word in the past and even today. For example, in the Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gatsby is trapped living in the past and is disillusioned by modernization. Additionally, in the story A Rose for Emily, Emily is also afraid of modernization because she is trying to escape death by holding onto her father’s dead body. She is afraid to move on in her life and decides to hide in her past. Lastly, in one of Langston Hughes poems called Mother to Son, he writes about how in the early 20th century African Americans were not equal to white people and then society began to modernize blacks to become equal. This led to segregation because the white people wanted to isolate themselves from African Americans. Because their dream of what society should be was disillusioned, just like in all three of these literatures. Therefore the results of modernization, isolation and disillusionment was that many people didn’t except a change their life. Gatsby wanted to feel like he was living in the past with Daisy but he was isolated and disillusioned because he was living in a modern society. Additionally, he was isolated because he could not have a social status or Daisy. In the book, Gatsby was a fantastic character because he wanted to hide in the past with Daisy when everything was perfect. While the other characters in this book went with the change of society. Also in the book, Gatsby’s yellow car symbolizes the modernization...
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