Modernization

According to the dictionary meanings, the modernization can be defined

as:

”A process which indicates the adoption of the modern ways of life and values. It
refers to an attempt on the part of the people particularly those who are custom-
bound to adapt themselves to the present-time, conditions, needs, styles and
ways in general.”

It also indicates a change in people's food habits, dress habits, speaking styles,
tastes, choices, preferences, ideas, values, recreational activities and so on.
People in the process of getting them modernized give more importance to
science and technology. The scientific and technological inventions have
modernized societies in various countries. They have brought about remarkable
changes in the whole system of social relationship and brought new ideologies
and concepts in traditional systems.

Evolution of Concept of Modernization:

Theories of modernization have been developed and popularized in 1950s and

1960s. It combines the previous theories of socio cultural evolution with practical
experiences and empirical research, especially those from the era of
decolonization. The theory states that:

The concept of modernization comes from a view of societies as having a

standard evolutionary pattern. According to this each society would evolve
relentlessly from barbarism to ever greater levels of development and civilization.
The more modern states would be wealthier and more powerful, and their
citizens freer and having a higher standard of living. This was the standard view
in the social sciences for many decades with its foremost advocate being Talcott
Parsons. This theory stressed the importance of societies being open to change
and saw reactionary forces as restricting development. Maintaining tradition for
tradition's sake was thought to be harmful to progress and development.

Now a days, people think that being modernized is more important than following
our traditions, if we wont follow the pattern of modernizing our selves we cant
move a head in this world.
Similarly, the above mentioned approach has been heavily criticized, mainly
because it combines modernization with Westernization. In this model, the
modernization of a society required the destruction of the original culture and its
replacement by a more Westernized one. Technically modernity simply refers to
the present, and any society still in existence is therefore modern. Advocates of
modernization typically view only Western society as being truly modern arguing
that others are ancient or unevolved by comparison. This view sees un
modernized societies as inferior even if they have the same standard of living as
western societies. Opponents of this view argue that modernity is independent of
culture and can be adapted to any society. Japan is cited as an example by both
sides. Some see it as proof that a thoroughly modern way of life can exist in a
non-western society. Others argue that Japan has become distinctly more
western as a result of its modernization. In addition, this view is accused of being
Eurocentric, as modernization began in Europe and has long been regarded as
reaching its most advanced stage in Europe (by Europeans), and in Europe
overseas (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc).

According to the Social theorist Peter Wagner, modernization can be seen as

processes, and as irritating and unpleasant. The former view is commonly
projected by politicians and the media, and suggests that it is developments,
such as new data technology or dated laws, which make modernization
necessary or preferable. This view makes critique of modernization difficult, since
it implies that it is these developments which control the limits of human
interaction, and not vice versa. The latter view of modernization as offensives
argues that both the developments and the altered opportunities made available
by these developments are shaped and controlled by human agents. The view of
modernization as offensives therefore sees it as a product of human planning
and action, an active process capable of being both changed and criticized.

Modernization and traditional society

Some of us see our traditions as obstacles to economic growth…but we don’t

understand that we are the people who can cause violence, destructions ,
poverty, lack of merit allowances etc. and we are the one who can bring
advantages to ourselves, to our country, and people amongst us says that
the advantages are more worthwhile like physical infrastructure, high level of
education and economic opportunities. Then why not focus those
advantages instead of negative aspects.

Modernization Theory - Defining Modernization Theory

Similarly, many sociologist, users and critics gave their own theory of
modernization. As different people considers modernization differently.
Disagreements about modernization theory are found by studying those views.
But what are those views that must be studied and some of those views are
highlighted here: Although the theory exerted a huge impact on the disciplines of
history, political science, and sociology, and on thinking about capitalism versus
socialism, East Asia versus Western advanced capitalist countries, and more
versus less developed countries.

The theory of modernization normally consists of three parts: (1) identification of

types of societies, and explanation of how those that how they are considered as
modernized or relatively un modernized differ from others; (2) specification of
how societies become modernized, comparing factors that are more or less
favorable to transformation; and (3) generalizations about how the parts of a
modernized society fit together, involving comparisons of stages of
modernization and types of modernized societies with clarity about prospects for
further modernization.

The modernization of third world countries by the first world has actually
contributed more to promoting their underdevelopment rather than their
development.

Modernization and the Third World

Modernization theory makes the claim that Western capitalist values and
practices are the basis for “modernizing” third world countries and helping them
become self-sufficient. Here, will evaluate the views of both the modernization
theory of the first world countries and the opposing view of the third world
countries.

“Modernization is the term used for the transition from the traditional
society of the past to modern society as it is found today in the West.
Modernization or development theory presents the idea that by introducing
modern methods in “technology, agricultural production for trade, and
industrialization dependent on a mobile labor force, the underdeveloped
countries will experience a strengthening in their economies.”

As a research found that its development could “worsen women’s lives” probably
more than anything. In developing countries, women have been major
contributors “to their households as primary subsistence farmers, producing
crops for their families”. In industrial societies, women are not able to own land,
so their land rights are taken away by their husbands, and they “lose their
important economic and social roles as subsistence food producers”. Their
“household craft production” also decreases and they “lose a significant source of
income”. As there is no way of making an income from their household anymore,
women are driven to the cities to seek employment in larger businesses. The
problem with this is that they can only be hired for low-skilled and low wage jobs
because all the higher paid and higher skilled jobs are saved for the men, who
hold a higher place in “factory society.” If a woman does get the same job
usually performed by a man, she gets a much lower salary. Also, a woman’s
workload is increased greatly in the industrial world, because she has to work
long hours at the factories then go home and still maintain her household. Yet
the work she does at home is not considered to be true production work, so it is
ignored.

We have seen that modernization has actually hindered the development

of third world countries. It is true, that third world countries do not have the
modern conveniences and attitudes that accompany developed first world
countries, but in order for them to become developed, they have to leave too
much of who they are traditionally behind them in the process. They have
societies that have worked for them for centuries, and if developed first world
countries try to modernize them, they will only bring greater problems to the
global community. Third world countries will lose their natural resources through
unfair trade with first world countries, and problems facing women in these
countries will only be intensified. Cooperative production that is fair is the only
way that will ease the struggles of third world nations. Through cooperative
production between men and women, and through fair compensation for both
men and women, their lives will also exist in a better balance as they are
recognized as equal contributors to their respective societies.

Concept of Modernization in Pakistan:

Pakistan is considered as third world country and it’s a developing country.

People think that they must be valued and given their proper rights but the
government is not concerned with those rights, every time the government keeps
on getting changed, whenever they pass the budget they never bring some good
changes, but it’s not for the people but it’s for hurting them and bringing them
curse. But people here are from poor background but they still think they must
buy things which are expensive but they think it makes them modernize, we often
had c0ompetitions within our society, and we never control our wishes and keep
on trying to imitate/copy people. We are the followers and never think to be the
leaders, as following them brings us the feeling of being modernized.

Actually we consider changing our selves, changing our life styles is just
modernization or being modernized, but we forget that modernization means the
transformation of everything, it could be in the field of medicine, business or any
field especially technology. Because the changes in technology appears, we
desires to change ourselves.

Nowadays, when the rapidness of development and research is so impressive, it

is easy to think about the advantages of modern technology. Nevertheless some
people argue that science can destroy mankind. It is also obvious that we are
close on an era where technology is limited only by our imagination. Therefore
the most frequently asked question is: Does technology go the right way and will
it save or ruin our civilization?

It can be argued that modern technology makes life easier and more dignified for
most of people. The first and the major advantage is that medical science is very
progressive and vastly available. Without the needed technology a lot of people
would struggle with their health. In addition it saves many innocent lives.
Secondly, the advanced technology improves industry by making it more
effective and, what is vital today, safer for environment. Moreover when we look
at TV, personal computer, mobile phone or internet for instance is quite obvious
that all this inventions have been made in the last 20 years. Thus the speed of
improvement is huge and unpredictable. On the other side, there is weaponry
which is the inseparable issue of the new technologies. Hence the main problem
is the proper use of this knowledge. Nevertheless, weapon engineering impels
and provides a huge advance. Also, the industry despite highly developed
machinery pollutes the globe. On the other hand while many people live in
horrible conditions and famine governments spend a lot of money on developing
weapon industry. Is it the right way? Maybe the modern technology should either
stop or prevent social disproportional. And again hearing all these a question
arises, do new technologies make us happier?

An simple answer to difficult question, as the decision is all ours…..the happiness

completely depends upon the usage of things and the extent of getting
modernized. So we should try to develop our minds, our thinking and secure our
norms and values which are more precious than any thing else.

Impacts of Indian Dressing in Pakistan

Pakistani culture is based on Islam. Islam is the true religion and it is not possible
that it will have impact of any other religion. Its culture is a complete set of things
which are unable to amend by others. Census data indicates that over 97% of
the populations are Muslims. Over 98% of 166 million peoples of Pakistan are
Muslims.

Pakistan has an impact of Indian dressing culture as well. Pakistan is a Muslim

country but people have gained western and Indian culture due to modernization
and westernization. It has a negative impact on the original culture gifted by
Islam but we are not denying the bad effects of Indian style of dressing that we
have adapted.

Example:

The very examples are those of Sari, sleeveless dressing, short shirts etc. On
special occasions, ladies use to wear Indian culture for show off. This can be
observed during the functions. People have learned these things from Indian
drama and movies at most.

It is acceptable by every culture and traditional heritage is the wealth of every

country. Islam doesn’t says no….but most importantly we should not forget the
way Islam and Ismailism teaches us, guided us and we should try to lead our
lives accordingly.