This document discusses the concept of modernization. It defines modernization as a process of transition from traditional to modern societies involving factors like urbanization, industrialization, increasing literacy, and adoption of science and technology. Key theorists like Daniel Lerner, Becker, and M.N. Srinivas are cited for their definitions of modernization as a process of social change. Features of modernization discussed include urbanization, industrialization, rising literacy and education levels, growth of mass media, and a shift from ascription to achievement. Causes mentioned are education, communication, ideology, government support, and industrialization. Modernization is said to occur at social, cultural and political levels. Some modern nations and books related to the

1. Dr. Anil Bhatt
Assistant Professor
Dept of Sociology

2. MEANING OF MODERNISATION
 Daniel Learner (1917-1980) an American
scholar and writer introduced the term
Modernisation
 General meaning-Modernisation is a process of
adoption of modern ways of life and values or to
be fashionable.
 It also indicates a transformation from
agricultural to industrial economy
 Today modernisation is a broader concept which
involve social change in relation to science and
technology as it has replaced traditional
ideologies and brought remarkable change in
society.

3. DEFINITION
 Daniel Lerner- “Modernisation is an old
process of social change where less
developed societies acquire the
characteristics common to more developed
societies”.
 Becker- “Modernisation is a process of
change from change-resistant traditional
outlook to change ready secular outlook.”
 M.N Srinivas – “Modernisation is a multi
dimensional process.”

4. FEATURES OF MODERNISATION
 Urbanisation(Expansion of cities)
 Industrialisation ( Expansion of industries or
manufacturing units)
 Literacy (Importance to Knowledge & awareness)
 Increasing Participation of literate people in
meaningful discourse.
 Scientific viewpoint (inventions and Innovations)
 Increase in the material standard of Living
 Transformation from mechanical to organic
solidarity(Durkheim)
 Decline of traditional social order e.g. joint family

5. FEATURES OF MODERNISATION
 Increase in Mass Media
 Economic Development
 Skill and Rationality
 Secular Outlook
 Transition from Ascribed to Achieved Status
 Increase in the Geographical and social mobility
 More workforce in Secondary (Manufacturing)
and tertiary occupations (service).

7. CAUSES OF MODERNISATION
 Education
 Mass communication
 Ideology based on Nationalism(National
awareness, political consensus, democracy)
 Stable and Strong Government
 Universal Legal System (Rule of Law)
 Urbanisation and Industrialisation

8. MODERNISATION AT THREE LEVELS
 Social Level- Social relationships in society
must be based on the concepts of equality,
human dignity and social values
 Cultural Level- Secularism, rationalism,
Liberalism
 Political Level- Democratic institutions,
representative government, Achievement
oriented power-structure, more participation
of people in government

9.  It can be said ……….
Modernisation is a process of transformation
from a traditional , agrarian, rural society
towards secular, urban and industrial society.
 Some Modern (Developed) nations in the
world…..
USA
JAPAN
CANADA
SWEDEN
GEMANY

10. BOOKS RELATED TO MODERNISATION
s.no Name of Book Author Year
1 Modernisation: Protest and
Change
Eisenstaedt 1966
2 Social Change in Modern India M.N. Srinivas 1963
3 Modernisation of Indian Tradition Yogendra Singh 1973
4 The Passing of Industrial Society Daniel Lerner 1958
5 Sociology of Modernisation and
Development
David Harrison 1988
6 Modernisation and the Structure
of Societies
Marion J. Levy 1966
7 Modernisation Richard D Brown 1976

11. THANK YOU
Dr. Anil Bhatt
Asst Prof(Sociology)
Dept of Higher Education
Uttarakhand