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MODERNISATION
The term modernization “does not denote any philosophy or movement, but it
only symbolizes a process of change”. In fact, Modernisation is understood as a
process which indicates the adoption of the modern ways of life and values”.
The term was being used previously to refer only “to change in economy and its
related effect on social values and practices”. It was also described as a process
that changes the society, from primarily agricultural to primarily industrial
economy. As a result of the change in the economy, the society itself underwent
changes in values, beliefs and norms. But, today, the term is given a broader
meaning.

Today, the term, “Modernisation” is understood as an attempt, on the part of the

people, to adopt themselves to the present time, conditions, styles and ways in
general. It indicates a change in people’s food habits, dress habits, speaking
styles, tastes, choices, preferences, ideas, values, recreational facilities and so on.
It is also described as “social change involving the elements of science and
technology”. The scientific and technological inventions have brought about
remarkable changes in the whole system of social relationship and installed new
ideologies in the place of traditional ones.

Definition

Daniel Learner who introduced the term “Modernisation” for the first time in
his study of the middle-Eastern societies use it to refer to the changes brought
about in a non-Western country by contact, direct or indirect with a Western
country. To him, “Modernisation is the current term for an old process of social
change whereby less developed societies acquire the characteristics common to
more developed societies”.

Smelser refers Modernisation to “a complex set of changes that take place

almost in every part of society as it attempts to be industrialised. Modernization
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involves ongoing change in a society’s economy, politics, education, traditions

and religion”.

Rustow (who was a professor of political science and sociology) and Robert
Ward have said that the basic process in Modernisation is the application of
modern science to human affairs.

Eisenstadt (Israeli sociologist) says that Modernisation refers to both structural

aspects of social organisation, and socio-demographic aspects of societies.

FEATURES OF MODERNIZATION

There are many dimensions of the process of modernisation. The process has its
economic, political, educational, technological, military, administrative, cultural
and other faces. The concept has been used in very diffused manner. Still, some
of the features of modernisation that are common to most countries are as
follows:

1. The process of modernization involves a change from simple, traditional

techniques such as hand weaving toward the use of scientific knowledge
and technology, for example power looms.
2. Agricultural shifts from subsistence farming to commercial farming on a
larger scale. This means growing cash crops, buying non-agricultural
products in the markets on a large quantity and often hiring people to do
farm work.
3. In industry there is a movement away from the use of human and animal
power and towards the use of machinery driven by non-human power.
For example, ploughs pulled by oxen are replaced by tractors driven by
hired hands.
4. The society changes from the farm and the village centered one to that of
the industry and city centered one.
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In addition to the four major patterns, other patterns of change have been
observed in modernising social structure. Traditional religious systems tend to
lose influence. Powerful non-religious ideologies such as patriotism,
nationalism, democracy, secularism etc., arise. The family changes in many
ways, both in terms of its structure and functions.

In education, the literacy rate increases greatly and formal educational

institutions become widespread. Mass media also serves the purpose of
educational resource and information channel. New form of administrative
organisation such as bureaucracies develop in the political, economic,
educational and other fields.

In addition to these changes in the social structure, some psychological changes

do take place in the society’s member. Now modern man has become informed
participant citizen. He is highly independent and takes independent decisions
relating to his personal affairs such as education, marriage, occupation and ideas.
He is relatively open minded and cognitively flexible.

Thus, the process of modernization includes in itself the gradual development of

a vast new system of social structures and psychological traits.

Causes of Modernisation

What factors condition modernisation? What conditions lead to modernisation?

What conditions hinder it? In exploring suitable answers to these questions
sociologists look within the society to discover the various factors, groups,
people and agencies and instruments that contribute to modernisation.

Modernisation is not caused by any single factor. It is the net result of a number
of factors. Myron Weiner speaks of five main instruments which make
modernisation possible: education, mass communication, ideology based on
nationalism, charismatic leadership and coercive governmental authority.
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[Link]. Education, that too higher education, pertaining to the fields of

science and technology, provides the basis of modernisation. Education
involves a sense of national loyalty and creates skills and attitudes essential for
technological innovation. Edward Shils has also emphasised the role of
education in the process of modernisation. Still, people like Arnold Anderson
feel that formal education is not sufficient for teaching skills.

University education may increase the number of students with degrees without
an increase in the number of people with modern skills and attitudes. By this,
we cannot underscore the importance of education in national development
which is believed to be associated with modernisation. “National development
depends upon a change in knowledge — what people know, skills — what
people can do, and attitudes – what people can aspire and hope to get”. This is
the reason why in the recent decade’s education including mass communication
is given utmost importance.

2. Mass Communication. The process of modernisation hinges on the

phenomenon of mass communication. The development of mass
communication (including newspapers, periodicals and magazines, T.V., radio,
telephone, movies, etc.) is an important means of spreading modem ideas at a
faster rate.

The function of mass media is to open up to the large masses in society, new
information, new thought, new attitude and new aspirations which lead them to
new achievement. “The mass media is the device that can spread the requisite
knowledge and attitudes quickly and widely”.

The only danger with the mass media is that if these are controlled by the
government, they will spread the only one-sided view that suits their political
ideology. But in democracies, however, the press is often given sufficient
independence to express its views.
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3. Ideology Based on Nationalism. Nationalism and democracy are very much

linked with modernisation. Nationalism is connected with national awareness
and political consensus. As far as the West is concerned, the democratic system
came to be strengthened along with the development of nationalism. The
nationalistic ideologies serve as a unifying influence in bridging social
cleavages within plural societies.

They also help the political elite in changing the behaviour of the masses of
people. Mass media plays a vital role in democratic societies to spread modern
views, ideas, values, etc., by persuading the masses.

4. Charismatic Leadership. A Charismatic leader is in a better position to

impress upon the people to adopt modern beliefs, values, practices and
behaviour patterns. But the danger involved here is that this popular leader may
take undue advantage of his position and use modern values, ideas etc., for his
personal glorification rather than for national development.

5. Coercive Governmental Authority. A strong and stable government may

adopt coercive measures to compel people to accept modern values and ways of
life. It may also bring pressures on other governments and people to follow the
same. The Government of America under the presidentship of George Bush
(The previous President of U.S. A.) made use of various tactics and strategies to
bring pressure on the underdeveloped and developing countries to follow
modern ways and practices.

6. Other Factors:

To the list of factors explained above, we may add two other factors: (a)
urbanisation and industrialisation; (b) a universal legal system.

(a) Urbanisation and Industrialisation. Urbanisation and industrialisation are

the two interrelated processes that are assumed to be variably linked up with
modernisation. These two processes can also be understood as two factors that
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accelerate the tempo of modernisation. ‘Urbanization refers to the process of

growth and expansion of cities.

Most of the modernized countries are either dominated by the cities or under the
grip of the process of urbanization. “Industrialization” refers to the
unprecedented growth and expansion of industries. It has become virtually the
sine quo none of the economic and technological development.

(b) Universal Legal System. In a traditional society bound by traditional values

and customs, the rate of change is relatively slow. But a society that functions
on the basis of the universally accepted legal system is bound to be more ‘open’.
The “rule of law” is true, one of the prerequisites of Modernisation.

The present legal system places a premium on the individual protecting his
rights and assuring his freedom. This role of the legal system supports the cause
of “Individualism”. The modern legal system has contributed a great deal to the
scientific management of the industries.

We decided to modernize our society at various levels. “What aspects of life

were sought to be modernized and in what manner?” Prof. Ram Ahuja replies
to this question in the following way “At the social level, we wanted social
relations to be based on concepts like equality, human dignity, and social values
which would ensure social mobility, removal of caste disabilities, amelioration
of the conditions of women, and so forth. At the economic level, we wanted
technological growth and distributive justice. At the cultural level, we wanted
secularism, rationalism, and liberalism. At the political level, we desired
representative government, democratic institutions, an achievement-oriented
power-structure, and a greater voice and participation for Indians in the
governance of the country. The means for agents selected for modernizing the
society were planning, education, legislation, assistance from foreign countries,
adopting the policy of liberalization, and the like.”
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Problems of Modernization

Prof Ram Ahuja speaks of five main problems of modernisation. They are as
follows: -

1. Modernisation demands that society must change in all ways at once. But
such a regular and co-ordinated pattern of growth cannot be planned and
materialized. Some amount of social interest hence is bound to be there.
Example Discrepancy between mass education and employment
opportunities.

2. During the period of modernisation structural changes mostly remain

uneven. Example Industries may be modernized but religious system,
family system etc., remain conservative.

3. Modernisation of social and economic institutions may create conflicts

with the traditional ways of life. Example trained, MBBS doctors may
pose a threat to the traditional medical practitioners.

4. Another problem is that, most often roles adopted by the people are
modern, but their values continue to be traditional. Example, New
Business firms and industrial establishments and shops etc., are either
opened or inaugurated as per the dictates of the traditional “Muhurtam”.

5. Yet another problem is that there is lack of cooperation among agencies

which modernize and among those institutions and systems which are
already modernized. This is more or less like the problem of “cultural
lag”.

6. Finally, though modernization raises the aspirations of people, the social

system does not provide enough chances to materialize them. This creates
frustration, disappointment and social unrest.
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