Modernisation

Characteristics
“Modernisation is a process by which modern scientific
knowledge is introduced in the society with the ultimate
purpose of achieving a better and more satisfactory life
in the broadest sense of the term accepted by the society
concerned”.
W.E. Moore (1961) suggested that a modern society has
specific economic, political and cultural characteristics.
In economic sphere a modern society is characterised 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 political sphere modernisation 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.
(d) Expansion of media communication.

(e) Development of new cultural elements

i) Progress and improvement,

(ii) Expression on ability.

(iii) Emphasis on dignity of the individual and his

efficiency.
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

Learner emphasized upon mobility and high level of
participation.

Characteristics of Modernisation:

1. It is a revolutionary process.

2. It is a multidimensional process.
3. It is a universal process.

4. It is a complex process.

5. It is a global process.

6. It is a irreversible process.

7. It is a continuous and lengthy process.

8. It indicates scientific temper, rationality and secular
attitude.

9. It is a phased process.

10. Modernized society is an open society.

11. It is a progressive society.

12. 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.

13. It is a centralized process.