Modernization and Social Change What is Modernization Modernization

Modernization and Social Change

What is Modernization? Modernization, in sociology, the transformation from a traditional, rural, agrarian society to a secular, urban, industrial society.

Modern society is industrial society. To modernize a society is, first of all, to industrialize it. Historically, the rise of modern society has been inextricably linked with the emergence of industrial society. All the features that are associated with modernity can be shown to be related to the set of changes that, no more than two centuries ago, brought into being the industrial type of society. This suggests that the terms industrialism and industrial society imply far more than the economic and technological components that make up their core. Industrialism is a way of life that encompasses profound economic, social, political, and cultural changes. It is by undergoing the comprehensive transformation of industrialization that societies become modern.

Modernization Theory Modernization theory is a theory used to explain the process of modernization that a nation goes through as it transitions from a traditional society to a modern one.

Marxist Versus Capitalist Early theories were greatly affected by the political climate between the United States and the Soviet Union. During the Cold War era (1947 -1991), two versions of modernization theory were prominent. Marxist The Marxist theory of modernization theorized that as nations developed, adopting a communist approach to governing, such as eradicating private property, would end conflict, exploitation, and inequality. Economic development and social change would lead developing nations to develop into a society much like that of the Soviet Union.

Capitalist The capitalist version of modernization theorized that as nations developed, economic development and social change would lead to democracy. Many modernization theorists of the time, such as W. W. Rostow, argued that when societies transitioned from traditional societies to modern societies, they would follow a similar path. They further theorized that each developing country could be placed into a category or stage of development.

Modernization Theory Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth Stage 1 Traditional Society – The economy is dominated by subsistence activity. Output is consumed by producers; it is not traded. Trade is barter where goods are exchanged directly for other goods. Agriculture is the most important industry. Production is labour intensive using only limited quantities of capital. Technology is limited, and resource allocation is determined very much by traditional methods of production.

Stage 2 Transitional Stage (Preconditions for Takeoff) Increased specialization generates surpluses for trading. There is an emergence of a transport infrastructure to support trade. Entrepreneurs emerge as incomes, savings and investment grow. External trade also occurs concentrating on primary products. A strong central government encourages private enterprise.

Stage 3 Take Off Industrialization increases with workers switching from the agricultural sector to the manufacturing sector. Growth is concentrated in a few regions of the country and within one or two manufacturing industries. The level of investment reaches over 10% of GNP. People save money. The economic transitions are accompanied by the evolution of new political and social institutions that support industrialization. The growth is self-sustaining as investment leads to increasing incomes in turn generating more savings to finance further investment.

Stage 4 Drive to Maturity The economy is diversifying into new areas. Technological innovation is providing a diverse range of investment opportunities. The economy is producing a wide range of goods and services and there is less reliance on imports. Urbanization increases. Technology is used more widely.

Stage 5 High Mass Consumption The economy is geared towards mass consumption, and the level of economic activity is very high. Technology is extensively used but its expansion slows. The service sector becomes increasingly dominant. Urbanization is complete. Now, multinationals emerge. Income for large numbers of persons transcends basic food, shelter and clothing. Increased interest in social welfare.