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The thought of adopting new ideas and converting to modern ways has often motivated societies to seek change and build on the foundation of their traditions. Many times, while implementing changes traditions are lost; thus, industrialization and modernization sets in. Modernization generally refers to present social structures, especially those established in industrialized societies where urbanization and technological advancements are among the only indicators for survival. This paper discusses modernization by exploring how it manifests itself within the United States, its continuation and the possibility of a worldwide trend. In addition, this researcher confers the consequences of modernization by revealing the positive and negative aspects of modernization within the United States.
Modernization is the change that happens through the gradual way of industrialization, urbanization and societal changes, which transform populations (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 2003). The term modernization is often used to describe the transition from conventional society to contemporary society as it is in Western civilizations. German sociologist Ferdinand Tönnies’ theory of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft explains that “Industrial Revolution weakened the social fabric of family and tradition by introducing a businesslike emphasis on facts, efficiency, and money” (Macionis, 2006, p. 457). This researcher chose Ferdinand Tönnies’ theory of modernization as the theory, which best reflects her perceptions of modernization because his views are quite similar to her own.
Tönnies viewed modernization as the progressive loss of human community (Gemeinschaft). He continued to describe society as ‘rootless and impersonal’ whereby individuals simply associate with others based on ‘self interest’ (Gesellschaft) (Macionis, 2006). In the past, families lived in small villages and formed tight bonds due to lack of transportation, television, telephone and technology as we now know it. Families and friends entertained themselves, through evening gatherings where they would tell stories and sing; “for many people, the town in which they lived was their entire world” (Macionis, 2006, p. 457). Although there was conflict in the past, which divided some communities, Gemeinschaft kept them united. Tönnies’ theory further suggests that modernity kept people “essentially separated in spite of uniting factors” (1963:65, orig. 1887) as cited in (Macionis, 2006, p 457).
The ever-increasing migration of people into large cities is a perfect of example of such separation. In the smaller communities of the past, everyone knew each other and despite some differences there was a sense of respect and loyalty toward one another. Tönnies states that due to modernity, society now lives in a world of Gesellschaft because people who live in large cities will pass each other every day; yet, ignore each other and remain strangers (Macionis, 2006). Trust and loyalty have become an increasing issue between friends and family, as people tend to put their needs above others (Macionis, 2006).
For the past 100 years, modernization has rapidly manifested itself through four distinct categories, which Peter Berger identified as: ‘the decline of small’, traditional communities’, ‘expansion of personal choice’, ‘increasing social diversity’ and ‘Orientation toward the future and a growing awareness of time’ (Macionis, 2006). The decline of small, traditional communities is the first significant factor, which leads this researcher to believe that modernization is likely to continue in the United States.
In the past people lives revolved around their family and community; today, their lives revolve around individualism and technology. Unfortunately, individuals born into modern societies have no idea what it is like to live as their ancestors did. The increase in technological reliance such as cell phones, televisions and computers has formed barriers between friends and family. Due to lack of knowledge and the absence of conventional lifestyles in big cities, these individuals will overlook the need for unity, loyalty and trust. Furthermore, expansion of personal choice also known as the process of individualization has pulled people away from their traditions, beliefs, and religion. With this societal change people have the option to take control of their lives and choose their own lifestyle rather than following in their traditional standards of life (Macionis, 2006).
The increase in social diversity has grown significantly in the past 100 years. In pre-industrial societies, religious beliefs and familial bonds forced individuals and communities into conformity. These beliefs and bonds discouraged individuals from accepting any other belief or culture. The modernization process has created a form of social blending, which has provided a more rational and scientific outlook at diversity; therefore, creating a combination of behaviors and socially diverse beliefs. Consequently, the traditional culture of bonding and conformity is rapidly dissolving as individuals continue to embrace new behaviors and beliefs.
Orientation toward the future and a growing awareness of time is another factor linked to the continuation of modernization. Most people believe that “time is money”; therefore, those people seeking an improved lifestyle and individual gain treat time like a precious commodity. According to Macionis (2006), “pre-modern people focus on the past; people in modern societies think more about the future” (p.456). Hence, people are optimistic and look forward to new technological advances, which will improve their lives. Berger continues by stating that, “one indicator of a society’s degree of industrialization is the share of people wearing wristwatches” (p. 456).
“Ten years ago, the possibility of free trade throughout the Americas was a distant dream” (Westlund, 2003, Para 1). Business deals were based solely on the foundation of personal relationships. “Most consumers had only limited choices in goods and services, and the personal computer and mobile phone were considered luxury items” (Para 1). Consequently, a wide range of multinational industries has joined the United States in bringing Latin America up-to-date with modernization. Westlund (2003), states that the privatization of government organizations has expanded the opportunity for competition; therefore, strengthening Latin Americas ties with the world. Additionally, Westlund (2003) points out that “population climbed past 500 million, making Latin America one of the world’s most promising consumer markets” (Para 2).
Key trends that influence Latin America’s future in modernization include: a hemispheric expansion of trade that allows the region to compete successfully in the global economy; therefore, allowing them to attract foreign investments and promote privatization (Westlund, 2003). The next key features include internet usage, business travels, technological advances and better offices. With these modern advancements Latin America will join in on the modernization trend.
Taking a closer look at worldwide modernization, this researcher looks into China. “Over the last two decades, China has seen miraculous economic growth, rapid modernization and a peaceful rise as one of the most important superpowers of today” (China: Looking 50 Years Ahead, 2008, Para 1). As China continues to modernize, their nuclear force progresses and becomes a larger threat to the United States. With the modernization of China’s nuclear weaponry, the United States will find themselves in the position of making a shared understanding and having a strategic relationship with them. Otherwise, China will become a nuclear threat to the United States (China: Looking 50 Years Ahead, 2008).
On January 12, 2002, President Husni Mubarak gave the signal to plan and carry out a plan to modernize Egypt. Unlike 25 years ago, the need to modernize has become a must and is no longer a voluntary choice. Prime Minister of Egypt Dr. Atif Ubayd stated “If Egypt wants to receive its share of world trade and world funds and knowledge it should follow the course of modernization” (Egyptian modernization Programme Receives Approval, 2002).
The increasing world-wide modernization and urbanization trend is not only expected but desirable a well. Many third world countries such as Africa hope to one day modernize communities and become a part of the increasing worldwide modernization trend. With so many people leaving third world countries in search of a modern lifestyle, it is only fair to say that unless these countries become modernized and advance their technologies, they may soon become deserted. The main reason for these countries desperate need of urbanization and modernization stems from the lack of clean water supply, affordable shelter, food, employment, education and better health facilities (Ghadar, 2005). These factors are high priority in the world’s poorest countries such as Africa.
Although there are many positive reasons to embrace modernization, the transition to urbanization and industrialization also has consequences, which can be negative. Urbanization as defined by Macionis (2006) is the increasing proportion of population in a given concentrated area during a specific period. Throughout history, the world’s population has lived a rural lifestyle. However, this population is becoming urbanized at a rapid pace, because people continue to migrate into the cities seeking a better way of life. “In 1950, less than 30% of the world’s population lived in cities. This number grew to 47% in the year 2000 (2.8 billion people), and it is expected to grow to 60% by the year 2025” (Univeristy of Michigan, 2002, Para 1). “Rapid urban growth is responsible for many environmental and social changes in the urban environment and its effects are strongly related to global change issues” (Univeristy of Michigan, 2002, Para 14).
This rapid growth strains the city’s ability to supply the needed services such as education, electricity, healthcare, sanitation, etc. This decreases the government’s revenue; therefore, they are unable to keep up with the necessities of the city, causing severe environmental problems and widespread poverty (Univeristy of Michigan, 2002). In addition, this transition forces individuals to take on a different approach, which many times lead them away from their traditional cultures. This loss of tradition is often seen through the separation of friends of family and is expressed through increasing long-distance relationships. When adapting to modernity the convenience of modern technological advances seems to be the only way to communicate, whereby the traditional familial ties no longer exist.
Many people do not understand that the increase in social diversity begins to discourage their diversity and forces individuals and families to conform to society’s modern ways. Hence, when different beliefs, cultures, religions and behaviors blend together, individual choice is lost. When this transition takes over, traditional beliefs are lost as societies absorb the world’s view of tradition; therefore, making the original meaning of tradition dissolves from generation to the next.
It is apparent that due to the continuous migration of populations to larger cities modernization as we know it in the United States will never cease to exist. The need for new technological and industrial advances has driven society into a vicious circle of constant change. Societies are continuously seeking ways to ‘make life easier’. However, this researcher believes the most apparent manifestation of modernization in the United States to be urbanization and industrial development. This paper has noted how modernization has and continues to manifest itself throughout the United States and the world. The modernization trend has provided many benefits to those seeking to better themselves. However, as societies change and adapt to modernity, people continue to lose sight of their traditions and continue to separate themselves from friends and family.
It is evident that the United States has endured many changes throughout its vast history and will continue to do as the need for modernization increases to newer, bigger and better things. Modernization has become an aspect of society that individuals have become accustomed to and as long as we remain the nation of great industry, societies will continue to feel the effects of modernization across the world.
China: Looking 50 Years Ahead. (2008, June). Energy Compass. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry database. (Document ID: 1510128161).
Egyptian modernization Programme Receives Approval. (2002). BBC Monitoring Middle East – Political,1. Retrieved from ProQuest Newsstand database. (Document ID: 99325905).
Ghadar, F. (2005, November). Urbanization: Uncharted Growth. Industrial Management, 47(6), 14-18. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.
Macionis, J. J. (2006). Society: The basics (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. (2003). Modernization. Retrieved from The Free Dictionary: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/modernization
Univeristy of Michigan. (2002). Urbanization and Global Change. Retrieved Global Change: http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/lectures/urban_gc/
Westlund, R. (Jan-Feb 2003). Ten years in Latin America. (Special Advertising Feature). Latin Trade, 11, 1. p.63(7). Retrieved from General OneFile via Gale:
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