Modernization in America: Cause and Effect

Written by: Kelly L. Hunter

Modernization is a process that creates continual social change; this began during the early days of industrialization, serving as the link between the present and the past (Macionis, 2006). There are main characteristics that motivate this kind of social change, the decline of small (traditional) communities; the expansion of personal choices; increasing social diversity; the orientation toward the future, and the growing awareness of time. All of these elements have created a cause and effect experience in American society. There are consequences that go along with social change, some are positive and in other cases the effects are of more negative proportions.
Ferdinand Tonnies, a German sociologist, had a theory that explored the effects modernization has on society; his theory was called Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft. Tonnies felt that modernization created a sort of loss or abandonment of unity within the traditional standard of what was then considered to be a “family” style community. The human community (Gemeinschaft) loses its value and togetherness when people begin wanting more than what they have and venturing into bigger cities searching for that “desire” that they couldn’t fulfill within their small village, town, or family. In Tonnies’ opinion, the Industrial Revolution, had a substantial impact on what was once a close-knit society and began creating a more “impersonal” society that seemed to only be out for self (Macionis, 2006).
Early on in the twentieth century, many portions of the United States began showing signs of Gemeinschaft when families that were accustomed to living in small villages in Europe immigrated to North America searching for religious freedom and a better way of life. A life of communal bonding experienced generation after generation would be lost to the struggle and strains of working long and grueling hours for minimal wages. “As Tonnies saw it, the Industrial Revolution weakened the social fabric of family and tradition by introducing a businesslike emphasis on facts, efficiency, and money” (Macionis, 2006. p457). Time seemed to move slowly before the days of talking on the telephone and spending long hours watching television when neighbors and families would get together and entertain one another.
Religion has been the foundation of almost every society in our world present and past. Religious conflict has also shaped modernization throughout the world for centuries. “Beliefs and preferences emerging from religious adherence have often played a critical role in shaping how members in a society interact with each other in a variety of areas, from the market, to government, and family” (Bolzendahl and Brooks, 2005. p49). Factors such as the legalities surrounding abortion, the controversy over prayer in public schools, and the battle between employers and employees over religious rights, have all contributed to modernization in America. The impacts of these factors are felt globally and are not limited to American society alone.
One study focuses on the impact that religion has on society as a whole and the repercussions felt when people begin straying from more traditional ways of living. This particular study examined three theoretical accounts, the secularization theory, religious polarization, and stable religious influence. “In its simplest and most controversial form, secularization theory predicts the monotonic decline of religion, arguing that economic and social development reduces individuals’ level of religious commitment, subsequently leading to lower levels of religious influence over the behavior of individuals and the subsequent organization of societies” (Bolzendahl and Brooks, 2005. p49). In other words, when society began breaking away from the shackles of religion, people began making their own personal choices (some good, some bad) and this led to the search for tolerance on every level in society; this did not come without consequence.
The influence of ever evolving diversity also plays a major role in the process of modernization. The United States is a multi-cultural society that is made up of many different ethnic groups. Ethnic groups sometimes feel the effects of modernization the worst because in many cases, they are the minority. People have been immigrating to the U.S. for hundreds of years seeking a brighter future for their families. The foundation of a strong family is important to many ethnic groups and they rely heavily on one another for support in all aspects of life. However, the traditional values and beliefs that the family once practiced in their homeland can be lost or altered once they enter the hustle and bustle of American living. With the pressure to conform to American customs, these families’ often-times stop passing on their traditional beliefs and customs to their younger generations.
Modernization as stated before does not come without consequence and is not limited to the United States. Modernization is a continuous process that will most likely continue for generations to come unless society breaks away from its current cycle which does not seem to be leading us toward a brighter future. These effects are felt globally and as countries continue to develop social change and modernization will continue to exist within these countries.