Explanation
Modernization refers to the comprehensive transformation of societies as they adopt industrialization, urbanization, secularization, and rationalization. It is often associated with the decline of traditional social structures and the rise of bureaucratic institutions, mass education, and scientific worldviews. Modernization theories emerged in the 20th century, particularly in the context of post-war development programs and global political shifts.
Theoretical Reference
Modernization is a key concept in classical and contemporary sociological thought. It features prominently in the works of Émile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Talcott Parsons, and is critically analyzed by thinkers such as Ulrich Beck, who highlight the unintended consequences of modernity, including the rise of global risks.