Social Change and Modernization

Running head : SOCIAL CHANGE AND MODERNIZATION

Social Change and Modernization : Definition and Examples

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Social Change and Modernization : Definition and Examples

Social change is defined as the change in the social structure in terms of nature , the social institutions , community of people , social behavior , etc . This specifically includes an event or action that affects not just an individual , but a group or community of people sharing the same values or characteristics . A subjective definition would be - the acts of advocacy , changing the society in

the normative way (Rury , 2005 . Macionis (2006 ) simply defines it as the transformation of culture and social institutions over time (451

Examples of Social Change Movements

Luddism - a well organized group in England in the 1890s , led by Ned Ludd , to fight against rapid forms of technological and social change in the nation . Their primary goal is to resist the movement to a free market system opposing technology itself (Lukas , n .d

Anti-globalization movements - in the biotechnological perspective that is brought about by globalization , these groups are concerned with the preservation of the natural balance of food systems , wherein many farmers concerned will be affected negatively . Some activists of the company Monsanto resist the use of their new technologies that are in fact contaminating the farm itself (Lukas , n .d

Gross National Happiness - Lukas (n .d ) points out that this movement is centered on the Zen Buddhist values that aims to produce harmony between nature and people . In this way , the government is not allowing infiltrations of technologies that would hinder effective harmonization It was only recently that they allowed the use western televisions , and has rumors that this will destroy the Bhutanese society

Movement for the Legalization of Marijuana - there were many attempts on the legal use of marijuana . The group NORML was the one standing for this movement , saying that marijuana is no more dangerous than caffeine and it has no influence to violence and antisocial behavior . They also claim that this has no addictive effect . Approval on the use of marijuana would be a great social change since now that it is illegal many are still using it , much more if it becomes legalized (Lukas n .d

Modernization on the other hand refers to the process and methods of modernizing a culture or a society . This process occurs intermittently for a long and sustained period of absorption . Sociologist would refer to it as an equivalent of secularization , the development of science and technology , urbanization , industrialization , and capitalism . It can also be referred to as rationalization of organizing the society , with the political , economical , and cultural being looked at carefully (Cao 2005 . Macionis (2006 ) put emphasis on industrialization

Examples of Modernization Movements

The Black Liberation Movement (1950s -1960s ) - this movement ended the blatant and violent racism of Whites in the U .S . With all the historical maltreatment to the blacks , this movement for modernization has affected largely the status of the Blacks , with them , although not treated with equal...