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Assignment: Future of Modernization Paper
Adreena Lind
Sociology 120
Due: April 8th , 2012
Jena Mehrotra

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Future of Modernization Paper
Write a 1,050- to 1,750-word paper addressing the following questions:
• How does modernization manifest itself in U.S. society? Use one of the modern theorists
introduced in Ch. 16 of Society as a basis for your response.
• Is modernization likely to continue in the U.S.? Explain your answer.
• Is modernization a world-wide trend?
• What are the consequences of modernization?
• Which theorist best reflects your perceptions of modernization?
Research the UOPX Library for information to support your answers. Try search terms such as
“modernization trends” or “consequences of modernization.”
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Cite 3 to 5 sources; at least two must come from the UOPX Library. You may also refer to the
Recommended Websites list in the Electronic Resources section at the beginning of this syllabus
for additional sources.
Note: Sources other than those from the UOPX Library or the Recommended Websites list need
to be approved by the instructor.

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Modernization is the way culture and society manifestsitself 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 revolution allows Europe to flourish
and prosper and guide the way for other courtiers to follow suit, and later the development of
safe work and living conditions. In current society,there is a constant struggle to find the balance
between “finding a brighter tomorrow” and “creating a dark future” for the next generations,
(Margetts, Perri, Hood,2010). In modernized countries people live longer and have less
offspring, but consume more and create more pollution than “lesser” developed countries.
Liberties and education have propelled these societies into the twenty-first century, leaving
behind the small communities of the past, and outlooks that, often, focus solely on the needs of
one rather than the needs of many, (Macionis, p. 480).
The growth of European industry was sparked by inventive concepts and splendid
machinery, while also exploiting the poor and feeble. Most people lived and worked in very
cramped and unsanitary conditions. The industrial revolution also eventually leads to a
significant loss of employment for skilled crafts people, who were unable to compete with the
modern machinery; often operated by poorly skilled workers. From the plight of the industrial

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revolution arise labor laws to protect child from dangerous working conditions, labor and trade
unions and eventually the improvement of living conditions.
It is important to understand that modernization is not the enemy of social cohesiveness
or morality in society; it is a further development of the masses that guide the direction ofa
(particular) movement. The development of a modern society affects the entire world, as a
whole.As one collective of people goes in the direction of modernization and seek technology as
a means of social development other groups tend to follow; the socialization theory. Furthermore
if onegroup pollutes, a consequence of modernization, there can be effects seen on the other side
of the world (i.e. waterways, acid rain, and depletion of wild life).This concept basically means
modernization is in the hands of the society and the individual can affect the masses. Social
change can alter modernization through small specific objective for change or through radical
movements such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and communism in East Germany in the 1980s.
Presently,societies are able tointeract through media and virtual outlets; often relying on
these resources for cultivated perspectives of the world outside of one’s surroundings. The
internet and mass media allow individuals to converse with people from around the globe and
attain vast amount of knowledge without even opening the front door. Effects of certain cultural
changes occur much more rapidly than in past decades because people are socially linked
through technology.In this way modernization has led to the poor or older individual being left in
the past. This bring about the social conflict theory, which essentially eliminates a growing
problem as some group are being more technologically capable and advanced other are sadly,
unable to contend.
While modernization has,essentially, worn away the severe class systems of the past there
is still a division of the majority of working class and lower class individuals and the elite
capitalists groups in our society based on technological advancement.From the growth of
industrialization came the development and strength of bureaucracy in society; the evolution of
capitalism (Chase-Dunn, 2010).This division is a perfect example of the positive and negative
aspects of modernization process. While some are able to move forward other are not.
Modernization is unlikely to stop growing and developing. A general perspective of “modern”
modernization of western-society is“forward or bust,” forward thinking; moving to past ideas
and thinking is often seen as irrational.

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This way of think can also create conflict amongst people of different age groups. Older
individuals often look to the way the world was and younger individuals look for how things will
be,(Shaffer, 2011). Traditional views of religion, historical preservation, and cultural is being lost
and the gap between older and younger groups is only getting larger. There is almost segregation
between the generation of “the past” and the generation of the “going to be”. Societal agendas
and understandings are generally based on the financial aspects of life rather than the
unmaterialistic adhesive association between communities. For older generations it often appears
that religious values are brushed out of the way for materialistic wealth and power. Younger
generations feel the limitations of the past are stifling and useless.
The truth is the past paved the way for the future and without the past there is not present.
The past should be looked at as a guide of how to improve upon the future and not be forgotten,
(Li, 2009). There is likely to always be conflict with the wave of change known as
modernization. There are likely to benefits and consequences of those changes for the future, but
the goal is to find a way to develop society while also developing solutions to the consequences
of society; finding the balance between the past and the current societies to build a stronger
future. Modernization in my opinion depends on the society and is guiding the wave forward.

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References:
o Chase-Dunn, C. (1975, December). THE EFFECTS OF INTERNATIONAL
ECONOMIC DEPENDENCE ON DEVELOPMENT AND INEQUALITY: A CROSS-
NATIONAL STUDY. American Sociological Review, Vol. 40 (Issue 6), p720-738.
o Li, Y. (2009, Fall). Revival of Tradition or Modernization?. Chinese Studies in History,
Vol. 43(Issue 1), p61-71.
o Margetts, H., Perri, ., & Hood, C. (2010). Paradoxes of Modernization. Oxford, England:
Oxford University Press.
o Shaffer, M. (2011, June). AGES APART. National Review, Vol. 63(Issue 11), p35-37.