MODERNIZATION

INTRODUCTION

 Modernization - from a 'traditional' to a 'modern' society.

 The theory looks at the internal factors of a country while assuming that, with
assistance, "traditional" countries can be brought to development in the same manner
more developed countries have.
 Modernization theory - to explain the process of modernization within societies.
 It stresses not only the process of change but also the responses to that change.
ORIGIN

Karl Emil Maximilian "Max" Weber

*a German sociologist, philosopher, jurist, and

political economist whose ideas profoundly influenced
social theory and social research. 
* Modernization theory originated from the ideas of
German sociologist Max Weber (1864-1920).  
Modernization is a process of adaptation of new values, cultural elements
and technology in the various fields of life . It is indeed the ability of a
society to confront, overcome and prepare itself to meet the new challenges.

While doing so the society adopts two methods:

1. By rearranging its social structure.
2. By modifying the traditional norms and values.

A modern man is more mobile in the sense that he can more frequently
move from one place to another and from one occupation to another, from
one status to another. A high degree of participation indicates a strong
sense of participation in common affairs of the state and community.
• It maintains that traditional societies will develop as they adopt more
modern practices.
• Proponents of modernization theory claim that modern states are:
*wealthier
*more powerful
*their citizens are freer to enjoy a higher standard of living. 

• Traditional religious beliefs and cultural traits usually become less

important as modernization takes hold
• Historians link modernization to the processes of urbanization
and  industrialization and the spread of education. As Kendall (2007)
notes, "Urbanization accompanied modernization and the rapid
process of industrialization”.
•  When modernization increases within a society, the individual
becomes increasingly important, eventually replacing the family or
community as the fundamental unit of society.
In political sphere modernization of a society expects:
(a) Declining of traditional rulers.
(b) Formulation of ideology for the rulers to handle the
power.
(c) Decentralization of power among the members of the
society. Scope must be provided to all to participate in the
decision making process.

In economic sphere a modern society is characterized by:

(a) Development in technology.
(b) Specialization in economic role.
(c) Scope for saving and investment.
(d) Expansion of market (from local to international)
In the cultural sphere a modernizing society is characterised by:
(a) Growing differentiation among the major elements of culture like
religion, philosophy and science.
(b) Spread of literacy and secular education.
(c) Introduction of complex institutional system for the advancement
of specialized roles.
(d) Expansion of media communication.
(e) Development of new cultural elements based on:
(i) Progress and improvement.
(ii) Expression on ability.
(iii) Emphasis on dignity of the individual and his efficiency
Characteristics of Modernization:

1. It is a revolutionary process.
2. It is a multidimensional process.
3. It is a continuous and lengthy
process.
4. It indicates scientific temper,
rationality and secular attitude.
5. It is a phased process.
6. Modernized society is an open
society.
7. It is a critical process because it
requires not only a relatively stable
new structure but also capable of
adopting continuously changing
conditions and problems.
8. It is a centralized process.
Modernisation in India:
1. Introduction of new institutions like banking, mass media communication etc.
2. Introduction of new value systems such as equality, justice, individualism,
secularism etc.
3. Acceptance of scientific innovation.
4. Increase in the standard of living.
5. Introduction of large scale industries.
6. Restructuring of political system, i.e., introduction of democracy.
7. Introduction of structural changes in social institutions like marriage, family,
caste etc.
8. Emergence of the middle class.
9. There are some eliminative changes like disappearance of cultural traits,
behavior pattern, values etc. Example, abolition of feudal power.
10. There is shifting of attitude from sacred to secular.
11. Emergence of new forms because of synthesis of old and new elements. For
example, nuclear family in structure but functioning as joint.
12. Adoption of new cultural traits such as new election system.
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Mainly two factors come to the forefront to reject modernization:
(i) Human factor which includes powerful group, jamindars/land lords,
middlemen etc. to protect their vested interest.
(ii) Values system of the society which includes traditional values, customs,
belief system etc. Both the factors try to maintain traditional order and
to reject the process of modernization.
In India, response to modernization depends on three factors
as it constitutes a multi-dimensional process.
1. The nature of the choice that our society has made on the
preference of the people in accepting modern elements.
2. Interest of the people in using modern elements also
counts much for that expresses the nature of our response
to the changes due to modernization.
3. The role of the cultural tradition based on history is
important as value system controls our behavior in using
and interpreting modern elements.
 Andre Gunder Frank 

Criticism

 From the 1960s modernization theory has been criticized by

numerous scholars, including Andre Gunder
Frank  and Immanuel Wallerstein.
 modernization of a society required the destruction of the
indigenous culture and its replacement by a more Westernized
one.
Immanuel Wallerstein
 Proponents of modernization typically view only Western
society as being truly modern and argue that others are primitive
or unevolved by comparison. That view sees unmodernized
societies as inferior even if they have the same standard of
living as western societies.
 Development, like modernization, has become the
orienting principle of modern times.
 Countries that are seen as modern are also seen as
developed, which means that they are generally more
respected by institutions such as the United
Nations and even as possible trade partners for other
countries.
 The extent to which a country has modernized or
developed dictates its power and importance on the
international level
 Bibliography

http://www.sociologyguide.com/education/education-and-modernization.php
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_modernisation_theory
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_modernisation_theory
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/society/indian-society/modernisation-and-its-impact-on-indi
an-society/47106
/
THANK YOU

GROUP MEMBERS

• GOVIND A
• MOHAMMED RIZWAN
• SAYED SHAHUL HAMEED SHIHAB P M