Modernity, Essay Example

Societies across the globe have undergone numerous changes politically, economically and socially. Modernity has occurred in stages with a number of activities or occurrences acting as catalysts for development onto the next phase. For instance, whereas most societies began as hunters and gatherers, they were forced to reform and adopt horticulture and pastoralism. This was then followed by the full adoption of agriculture before industrialization (Anderson, 2012). Currently, society is moving away from simply relying on industries to a post industrial future, characterized by information based economies, and emphasis on completely different skill sets. Hunting and gathering societies utilized very simple technology to hunt animals and gather plants. Due to the continuous foraging for food, such societies were forced to live nomadic lifestyles, which left very little time for leisure. However, the innovation of the plough catalyzed a shift from hunting and gathering to the more organized lifestyle of horticulture and pastoralism. This shift also gave rise to specific religions and a more organized way of life. The ability to produce increased amounts of food, led to more permanent settlements and a full graduation into agrarian societies. The development into more organized groups allowed religion to thrive, allowing it to play the role of knowledge custodians. In addition to the clamor for reformation within the church, the period also saw the rise of printing houses such as Guttenberg, leading to the rapid spread of information and the rise of the age of enlightenment.

The clamor for reformation within the Catholic Church and the increased number of enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Hume and Kant, led to a shift from religious thinking and a blind belief in the supernatural. Most societies began valuing reason, science and empiricism. Elements of capitalism and independent thinking, as well as unconventional ideas began to rise. This led to universalism, individualism, toleration, progress, freedom, secularism and uniformity of human nature. Although individuals realized that they were part of a group, the need for autonomy was enhanced. Most individuals felt that some of their rights must be guaranteed, while at the same time, their inherent need for a sense of belonging and nationalism grew stronger. This critical time also saw the rise of conventional democratic political systems meant to safeguard the individual rights of citizens, especially those of affluence. The rise of scientific thought represents the turning point for capitalism and the most important step towards modernization. Not only did man realize that social institutions that ensure freedom from injustice, despotism and cruelty could be created, but also a more efficient agricultural society could arise from the application of scientific thinking (Wilson & Reill, 2004). This sparked the invention of machines and processes that could easily convert raw materials into final products that were beneficial to mankind.

In addition to the invention of machines and processes, humans also discovered ways and means of reducing illness and infirmity, hence ensuring more members of the society were productive. The increased empowerment through knowledge, not only led to the toppling of inefficient leaders and governments as was the case in France during the French revolution, but also led to increased activism for the rights of the general population, including fundamental labor rights. This increased agitation for better economic stability and distribution led to the rise of major industries that not only offered employment to the general population, but also ready markets for the farm produce, hence industrialization (Ross, 2002). This market the beginning of the industrial age, with the proliferation of an increased number of industries, hence the demand for a diverse range of raw materials, driven by the innovation that arose as a result of increased scientific thinking and the motivation to succeed individually (Goloboy, 2008).

The industrial revolution was the change in the manufacturing process from the hand production processes to the machine manufacturing in the industries. The transition occurred between 1760 and 1840 and enhanced the introduction of chemical manufacturing, iron production and better sources of power mainly steam power. With the help of new manufacturing processes major technological developments encouraged many to leave their homes to work in the industries. The new work opportunities encouraged change in the social and economic sectors of most individuals and families resulting to modernism. The industries were overcrowded and the environment poorly maintained and this encouraged workers to strongly appeal for better working conditions through movements and strikes. Other results of the new work opportunities were improved living conditions because of the increase in income and more opportunities of different members in the society. It also encouraged urbanization and improved life expectancy. In addition, the emergency of class system arose which is mainly associated with modernization. The system dictated that people interact depending on their social group which was a reflection of economic status. Changes in the working class families and role of men and women in the society and families brought the rise of modernism. For instance, women were allowed to vote and participate in other political activities which were previously forbidden (Horn, Rosenband & Smith, 2010).

Although industrial revolution brought economic progress, it also encouraged modernism which according to Goloboy (2008) is characterized by the isolation and alienation. Working in the industrials encouraged more people to gain self control because were economically stable and also encouraged self knowledge, faith in good deeds and improved humanity. These aspects made many communities especially in the countries where industrial revolution had spread rapidly for instance in France, Germany, United States and Britain. The consequences of the isolation and multiple political activities brought the rise of world wars and the fast growing economy identified by massive technological advancements and industries brought a different sense on humanity causing modernism.

The age of enlightenment and economic advancement introduced capitalism in most societies. This encouraged most people to embrace the scientific knowledge for instance steam engine and also sociological changes. Capitalism lowered the way most people viewed human life and the attitude towards society. The need to focus on personal gain rather than the group system caused alienation and the ability to separate one’s work from the expectations of the society.  The positive effects of the new system were clearly experienced through economic success, improved living standards and scientific knowledge which increased production. On the other hand, the main negative effects were on the rise of wage labor and class structure and the capital markets. Modernity therefore existed in three main phases. The initial phase was caused by the social changes which required moving from feudalism system, the second stage which occurred in 1789 to 1900 was as a result of the revolution and the final stage which occurred in 1900 to 1989 was caused the rapid spread of capitalism.

References

Anderson, C., & OverDrive, Inc. (2012). Makers: The new industrial revolution. New York: Crown Business.

Goloboy, J. L. (2008). Industrial revolution: People and perspectives. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO.

Horn, J., Rosenband, L. N., & Smith, M. R. (2010). Reconceptualizing the Industrial Revolution. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.

Ross, S. (2001). The French Revolution. London: Evans.

Wilson, E. J., & Reill, P. H. (2004). Encyclopedia of the enlightenment. New York, NY: Facts On File.