Modernization Theory

Modernization theory is the theory used to summarize modern transformations of social life. Throughout the certain periods of time modernization theories attempt to identify the social, economic, political, psychological variables which contributed to the social progress and development of certain societies. In 6th century modernization theory used to differentiate the contemporary literature from classical literature. In16th century modernization theory refers to new invention in literature, Architecture and Fashion. And during 17th century modernization theory refers to debate over Primitive and Modern society.

Definition of Modernization Theory:

“The process of social change whereby less developed societies acquire characteristics to more developed societies, the process active by international or inter societal communication” Encyclopedia of Social Science

Wilbert Moore (1963) said that "Modernization is a total transformation of a traditional society into the types of technology and associated social organization that characterize the advanced politically stable nations of the Western World".

Characteristics:

1.    It is a process of social change.
2.    It active by international societal communication.
3.    It is a total transformation of traditional society.

Theoretical Heritage of Modernization Theory

A) Ideational:

1. It is the perception of learning, liberal mind of receiving and using new information.
2. Black said that globalization is the process of transition from agriculture to industry through knowledge gaining and controlling over surrounding.
3. Nettle and Robertson :Globalization is the combination of goal, objectives, policy and principles that has been admitted by the elite class.

B) Structural Explanation:

Levi: Globalization is treated as modern whereas the inorganic power is greater than organic power.

Smelser: Identified four indicator of modern society

1. Transition of technology from simple to complex on the basis of scientific knowledge.
2. Subsistence to commercial production.
3. Utilization of inorganic power.
4. Migration from rural to urban.

Eisenstaedt said that globalization is the use of high technology; advanced urbanization; Complex social organization; Political participation.

C) Colonialism:

• From the classical period the western societies treated themselves as superior while East was considered as weak.
• West is capable to achieve independence and progress.
• Hegel said that West is the highest point of excellence of world history while the East is the primitive stage of that. East had no progress, it was a continuation ruin.
• The main responsibility of colonialism was to make free, the east from this stagnant position and include them in the world system through on light.

D) Modernization Theory: Emile Durkheim

Traditional Society

1. Perform the limited tasks of a simple agrarian community based on groups of families or clans in village settlements.
2. Social cohesion  is based on the simple life style and beliefs that prevail  within and between settlements.
3. Durkheim calls this forms of cohesion ‘mechanical solidarity’.

Modern Society:

1. Social rules are much less rigid than those of a traditional society.
2. Modern individual has a much greater freedom of action within a general set of moral constraints.
3. Potential dangers occur in society if the individual’s desires and ambitions get out of step with the general moral code.

E) Modernization Theory: Max Weber

Max Weber:

• Sought to explain the emergence of industrialization. Why capitalist manufacturing became dominant only in the economy of Western Europe.
• The basic explanation for this occurrence was the existence of a cultural process of peculiar to Western society, namely ‘rationalization’.
• Rational organization of business enterprise to establish steady profitability and the accumulation of capital; ( cost reduction, diligent investment, attempt to meet consumers’ demand);
• West: The rational ethos of the spirit of capitalism. 
• East: The profits of business were wasted on the purchase of luxurious items for immediate consumption.

Traditional Society: Three Crucial Features 

1. people are orientated  to the past and they lack the cultural ability to adjust to new circumstances.
2. The kinship system is the decisive reference point for all social practices. being the primary means through which economic, political and legal relationships are controlled( ascribed status, family, born, blood);
3. Members of traditional society have an emotional superstitious and fatalistic approach to the world.

Modern Society: Three Crucial Features

1. People may have traditions but they are not slaves to them and will change any that seem unnecessary or get in the way of continued cultural progress;
2. Kinship has a very much less important role in all areas of society because of the need for geographical and social mobility which weakens family ties;
3. Members of modern society are not fatalistic but forward looking and innovative , ready to overcome the obstacles

F) Modernization Theory and Third World States:

1. In the 1950s -60s thinking action of development countries were dominated by the modernization approach.
2. The USA had assumed leadership of the “free world” and was engaged in cold war with the force of evil.
3. The world remained  ordered according the best political and economic interest of the USA.
4. Academic help was required  for an understanding of what was happening in the Third World (suggesting)
5. First: The World is said to consist of the traditional and the modern society.
6. Second: The transition from one historical period to the other is facilitated  by the process of materialism.
7. Third: this process is directed by national elite through policy initiatives. 
• West is seen as superior to the Third World in all social, political and economic aspect.
• Western mastery must be adopted by the underdeveloped nations if they are to achieve the privileged status of being modern.
• Modernization thus becomes synonymous with Westernization.

Criticism:

1. In the light of modernization theoretical approaches, development is considered to be a linear evolutionary process with a determined final goal.The current social, political, ecological, technical and foremost economical conditions of the developed world are therefore considered to be the only desirable aims of societies. 
2. Modernization theoretical approaches also ignore the fact that within countries different stages of development can be witnessed and that even in the developed countries various stages co-exist. 
3. The classical theory of modernization is based on the general evolutionary assumption that modernization is the result of differentiation and rationalization.