Modernization

Write a 1,050- to 1,750-word paper addressing the following questions: o 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. o Is modernization likely to continue in the U.S.' Explain your answer. o Is modernization a world-wide trend' o What are the consequences of modernization' o Which theorist best reflects your perceptions of modernization' • Research the Online Library for information to support your answers. Try search terms such as “modernization trends” or “consequences of modernization.” • Format your paper according to APA standards. • Cite 3 to 5 sources; at least two must come from the Online Library. You may also refer to the Recommended Web Sites list in the Electronic Resources section at the beginning of this syllabus for additional sources. 179 words Modernization in U.S. Society Derek Potts Axia University of Phoenix Introductions The industrial revolution has played a major role in today’s society. As technology changes, socialization follows; thus, modernization is to change something in order to make it conform to modern tastes, attitudes, or standards (The Encarta Dictionary, North America, 2009). Technology and manufacturing have played a major role in modernization which has primarily been brought on by the industrial revolution. Peter Berger (1977) identified the major characteristics of modernization as: The decline of small, traditional communities, the expansion of personal choice, increasing social diversity, and orientation toward the future and growing awareness of time (Macionis, 2006, p. 456). These characteristics are evident throughout the modern U.S. society. Modernization is U.S. Society How does modernization affect the U.S. society' Ferdinand Tonnies theory of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft viewed modernization as the progressive loss of human community. As Tonnies saw it, the Industrial Revolution weakened the social fabric of family and tradition by introducing a businesslike emphasis on facts, efficiency, and money (Macionis, 2006, p. 457). Today’s society is influenced by many new business and social avenues. The Industrial Revolution brought on widespread advancements in business and manufacturing throughout the U.S. In fact, many companies started doing business internationally in order to compete with global competition. The increase in manufacturing created a spirit of competition within every corporation to lead the industry in new products and conveniences. Product advancements have changed the way Americans work, play, and communicate. In fact over the past decade social communication has change almost entirely. I believe that modernization in the U.S. will continue due to the nature of many Americans. I don’t believe that modernization will change until the society becomes less materialistic. Even though modernization has helped society overcome traditional views on segregation based on race, segregation is more evident based on wealth. Society has classified individuals based on income level into three different categories, lower class, middle class, and upper class, based on income. Many Americans view wealth as their main cause of happiness. The more money they have, the more they can afford. I believe that each class of people will cause and increasing amount of social challenges, creating social segregation based on class. Consequences of Modernization Modernization has both a positive and negative impact on our society. In fact, I believe Tonnies theory that modernization is the progressive loss of human community. In today’s society, people are caught up in what I call the “rat race of life”. Society is driven by the desire to be successful and often rely on wealth as a basis for happiness. Many people have become isolated from traditional values of community and even family. Modernization is evident through urbanization. Many people throughout each country have chosen to live in highly populated areas for job opportunities. As large communities become urbanized, standards of living may fall as population increases. People in urbanized communities lose a sense of local community that rural areas provide. The urbanized communities have increase social diversity. Cities like New York and Chicago are homes to many different minorities and ethnic groups. Young adults attend school with a diverse group of individuals. Employees work side by side with individuals with different nationalities. Even through communication has been a challenge, interaction with divers group of people have increase social diversity. Future of Modernization in the U.S. Modernization is most evident in today’s society through examples of communication. Companies have found new ways to enhance communication while increasing personal conveniences. In order to meet the high demands of the fast pace society, communication has become instant. The majority of the population carries phones with them everywhere they go. Many of these people communicate through quick text messages and a small percent have email capabilities within their phones. As technology and manufacturing continues to change, forms of communication, conveniences, and lifestyles will change. Modernization will change to post modernization. Post modernization has been brought on by the information age. New technology will create new and improved forms of communication. Video calls will allow society to connect with people nationally and internationally. Global Modernization Consequences of Modernization Conclusion Works Cited Macionis, J. J. (2006). Society: The basics (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Axia College’s Writing Style Handbook, available online at https://axiaecampus.phoenix.edu/Writing_Style_Handbook_AxiaUOP.pdf The Encarta Dictionary of North America. (2009). Modernization. Retrieved March 20th, 2009, from MSN Encarta http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx'lextype=3&search=Modernization